About Orthodontic Dentistry
Orthodontics, also known as malocclusion or "bad bite," is described by the American Association of Orthodontics as the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

Most orthodontic problems are inherited, including tooth size and jaw size, and may lead to crowding of teeth or spacing of teeth. Overbites, underbites, extra or missing teeth, and irregularities of the jaws, teeth, and face also are inherited. Other orthodontic problems can be caused from accidents, pacifier or thumb sucking, dental disease, or the premature loss of either the primary or permanent teeth. A number of childhood habits can lead to orthodontic problems, such as thumb or finger sucking, sucking on a pacifier, sucking on a lip, mouth breathing (often caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids), fingernail biting, and "tongue thrust."

What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has undergone specialized training to diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial irregularities in patients. Within the U.S., orthodontists are required to complete a two- to three-year advanced residency program in orthodontics following the completion of their four-year graduate dental program. Each of these programs must be accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation.

About Orthodontic Braces
When you think of braces, you may think first of children. In fact, many children between the ages of five and 10 need braces to correct problems like overbite, underbite, wide spaces between teeth, badly aligned teeth, overlaps, and clicking jaws. At this age, Dr. Huntzinger feels that improvements can be made that are impossible later on.

Orthodontic braces are not just for children. Adults are now also enjoying the new self-esteem and improved dental health that orthodontics offers. In the Sylvania area, braces on adults are now a common sight– and it’s trendy! An attractive smile is always an asset, and it’s never too late to get the perfectly straight teeth you have always wanted. Call us, and we will set up an orthodontic evaluation with Dr. Huntzinger for you and your family.

Dental Braces – How Early?
How early should children get an orthodontic evaluation? At Dental Health Associates, the simple guideline we use is that children should be examined when their permanent teeth begin to come in. However, every child is different, and the best starting time for orthodontic treatment depends on the type of problem and its severity. Ultimately, the answer really is: "It depends..."

If your child does require treatment, early intervention can make a significant difference. We see the best results with treatments that would be impossible once your child's face and jaw have completely developed. Also, when started early, completion of treatment at a later age is much easier.

During an initial examination, we will evaluate your child's facial growth, spacing between teeth, crowding, and any extra or missing teeth. We also look for habits like tongue-thrusting and thumb-sucking that may hinder normal growth and development. These problems can change tooth alignment as well as alter facial appearance.

If your child doesn't require any early treatment, we will schedule periodic follow-up exams while the permanent teeth are coming in and the face and jaws continue to grow.

Orthodontic treatment can bring your child's teeth, lips, and face into harmony. It is well known that a pleasing appearance and beautiful smile give children – and adults – a big advantage in life. To learn how the professionals at Dental Health Associates can help you or a family member with dental braces, please contact us today.

Dental Care With Braces
At Dental Health Associates, we feel that caring for your teeth and keeping them cavity-free is a top priority during orthodontic treatment. While proper-fitting bands or brackets usually protect the covered portion of your teeth, the brackets and wires on the outside of teeth make it harder for the toothbrush to clean between teeth.

While your mouth is loaded with the extras that accompany braces – bands, brackets, and wires – brushing your teeth becomes tougher and extra important because trapped food particles and plaque are a breeding ground for cavity-causing bacteria. Braces may also interfere with the natural chewing process that normally bathes and exercises gums and helps clean teeth. Gum disease also can develop, causing swelling and making cleaning even more challenging and painful. Improper oral care can also stain tooth enamel, so it is essential to brush you teeth frequently and keep your mouth and gums clean while wearing braces.

How often should you brush while wearing dental braces? Preferably, you should brush your teeth within five minutes after eating anything, whether just snacking or following a meal. Brushing away cavity-causing bacteria helps keep your teeth cavity-free. Carry a travel toothbrush in a backpack, purse, or briefcase to always have on hand for brushing away from home.

Special toothbrushes allow you to brush between wires and gums to loosen any food particles. Start brushing on the outside of your upper teeth, positioning the bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gum. Brush two to three teeth at a time using a circular motion for about ten strokes. Next, brush the inner surfaces in the same manner, then brush the chewing surfaces. Repeat the same process for the lower teeth as for the upper ones. Rinse your mouth as well as your toothbrush. Check your teeth in a mirror to make sure you've brushed all tooth surfaces.

In addition to tooth brushing, flossing daily between braces using a floss threader is also recommended. Toothpicks, stimudents, and other interdental devices work well under brackets. You may also want to use a water oral hygiene device that helps to remove food particles the toothbrush may not reach. It is used in addition to brushing and flossing, not as a substitute.

While wearing braces, be sure to schedule regular dental exams every three to six months for cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Ask your dentist and orthodontist how often they wish to see you. For more information about orthodontic braces or to schedule an evaluation, please contact Dental Health Associates.

Foods to Avoid While Wearing Orthodontic Braces
You can eat just about anything, with some exceptions. Getting used to braces may require you to make a few adjustments in your eating habits. Some foods might damage your braces or cause problems for your teeth, so it is advisable to avoid them while wearing braces. The list of items to avoid (or to enjoy with caution!) include:

· Apples (don't bite into a whole one! Cut it into wedges first.)
· Bubble gum (some orthodontists allow sugarless gum, but check for approval)
· Candy (caramels, taffy, nut brittles, fruit-flavored chewy candies, gummi anything!)
· Carrots (avoid sticks; cut into thin curls)
· Corn on the cob (remove the kernels from the cob, then enjoy!)
· Corn chips, crisp tacos, and hard foods (they are tough on braces, causing bending and breaking)
· Ice (no crunching!)
· Lemon juice and lemons (pure lemon juice is very hard on your tooth enamel)
· Nuts, and the outer edges of pizza crust or crusty breads
· Popcorn or pretzels (the large, hard varieties)
· Sticky foods (can bend wires and pull off brackets)
· Sugary foods (avoid these as much as possible; if you do eat them, brush your teeth within minutes or as soon as possible, or at least rinse your mouth with water)

For more information about how we at Dental Health Associates can help you with dental braces, call us today. We will be happy to talk with you about orthodontic braces.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Braces
Dr. Huntzinger knows you probably have plenty of questions about getting braces. Here are a few frequently asked questions that he has answered for patients contemplating getting braces:

Q: What usually happens during an initial orthodontic exam?"
A: In order to determine your specific needs, we will completely evaluate your mouth. A comprehensive evaluation typically includes:
· Taking impressions of your teeth, from which models are made. Models are useful for the orthodontist, and also will remind you exactly how your teeth looked before correction.
· Photographing your teeth, face, and smile
· Obtaining X-rays of your head and teeth
· Determining your medical health history and dental health history
After these steps have been completed, we will then carefully evaluate your specific needs and provide you with a treatment plan for correction. Following the recommended plan is important for proper correction.

Q: What are spacers?
A: Teeth normally fit tightly against one another. Spacers are inserted before placement of your braces to provide some space between teeth for attaching the bands. There are two types of spacers: small springs or plastic modules. In just a few days, they gently move desired teeth slightly apart. Spacers often cause some soreness, but this goes away in a few days. To relieve the irritation, rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Your normal chewing also helps to get your mouth feeling better.

Q: What do I do if a spacer comes out?
A: Call your doctor immediately for a replacement. That little spacer plays an important role in making just enough room your braces to fit comfortably.

If you have additional questions or would like to learn more about the orthodontics options available for you and your family at Dental Health Associates, please contact us today! We welcome your questions and look forward to discussing your dental care needs with you.