orthodontic visit

What is the Right Time for an Orthodontist Checkup?

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Early detection of orthodontic problems gives you the best options for treatment. Many cases of crooked or misaligned teeth can be treated before the permanent teeth are finished coming in. Unfortunately, the myth that only older kids and teens need a checkup still exists, and it often leads people to overlook the importance of orthodontic care until the problems have become unbearable.

orthodontic visit

One of the questions that people tend to ask us the most is, when is the right time to visit your orthodontist. While the correct answer to this is different for everyone, understanding how to determine when you or your child needs to go help you to protect your smile.
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Effects of Vaping on Teeth

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Vaping has become the latest trend, allowing many people to enjoy a rush of nicotine or other legal drugs without the tar and pervasive smell of smoking. However, many people who enjoy vaping do not realize that it also can have potent physical effects. Although the smoke coming from a vape pen appears whiter and cleaner than heavy, tarry cigarette smoke, it can have part a particularly profound impact on the health of your teeth and gums.

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retainers

What Are Mail Order Orthodontics and Why They Fall Short?

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Mail order braces are a relatively new type of orthodontic treatment that is available online. Many companies offer these braces to people who have problems such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, gaps, and other issues. Many people try these products because of their seemingly affordable prices and their ability to have them mailed to their home. However, these braces fall short in several areas. It’s always best to see an orthodontist up close and in the office. Here’s a little bit more information about the mail order orthodontics. Take your time reading the information so that you will know what choice to make when it comes to getting braces at home.
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Early Intervention- Orthodontics

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Early Intervention- Orthodontics

Early Intervention

The average age of individuals who get braces is between nine and 14, although it is appropriate for younger children to visit Childers Orthodontics for a consultation with Dr. Kyle Childers. While parents may be concerned about the efficacy of early orthodontics, research suggests that early intervention can prevent greater dental health problems later in life.

What types of conditions require early intervention?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 3.7 million children under the age of 17 receive orthodontic treatment each year. Early intervention may be appropriate for younger children with crooked teeth, jaw misalignment, and other common issues. Early orthodontic treatment may be of use for several types of problems:

  • Class I malocclusion. This condition is very common. It features crooked teeth or those that protrude at abnormal angles. In general, early treatment for Class I malocclusion occurs in two phases, each two years long.
  • Class III malocclusion. Known as an underbite, in which the lower jaw is too big or the upper jaw too small, Class III malocclusion requires early intervention. Because treatment involves changing growth patterns, starting as early as age seven is a smart choice for this dental problem.
  • Crossbite. Crossbite occurs when the upper and lower jaws are not properly aligned. An orthodontic device called a palatal expander widens the upper jaw, allowing teeth to align properly. Research suggests that early treatment may be beneficial in crossbite cases, especially when the jaw must shift laterally to correct the problem.
  • Tooth extraction. That mouthful of crooked baby teeth can cause problems when your child’s permanent teeth erupt. For kids with especially full mouths, extracting baby teeth and even permanent premolars can help adult teeth grow in straight.

Considerations when thinking about early intervention

Early intervention isn’t helpful for all conditions. For example, research suggests that there is little benefit to early orthodontics for Class II malocclusion (commonly known as an overbite). Instead, your child should wait until adolescence to begin treatment. Scheduling a visit to our Benton, Harrisburg or Herrin, IL office when your child is around age seven is a smart way to create an individualized treatment plan that addresses unique orthodontic needs.

Early Intervention- Orthodontics

Foods that are Safe for Braces

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Foods that are safe for braces
Orthodontic braces are used to straighten the teeth, which not only creates a more pleasing appearance but also helps prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems. However, Braces are only effective when they are properly cared for. Certain foods, for example, are better suited for individuals who have braces, as opposed to hard and sticky foods that can cause damage. So, what types of foods should you or your kids eat to protect dental appliances?

Foood and Braces

The best foods to eat with braces are those that are not high in sugar and do not require excessive chewing. For breakfast, try eggs, yogurt, bacon, wheat toast, or oatmeal. Lunch may steer toward a banana rather than an apple, a salad without nuts, and a glass of water. If you are looking for some after-school snacks for your kids, consider baked tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole, or try string cheese with fruit.

A healthy dinner can include most types of vegetables, so long as they are cooked to an appropriate softness. Pair that with a lean protein, such as fish or chicken, and follow up with dessert. Just be sure to brush afterward!

Post-Tightening Foods

As braces begin to adjust the alignment of the teeth, our team at Childers Orthodontics will periodically tighten them to continue the alignment process. After tightening occurs, the teeth may be sore and sensitive to certain foods. During this time, it is best to eat soft foods. Examples include:

  • Pudding
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Soup
  • Ice cream
  • Cottage cheese
  • Peas
  • Pancakes
  • Pasta

Foods to Avoid

Anyone who wears braces – whether fixed or removable – should avoid excessive snacking and should aim to eat a healthy and balanced diet. It is also important to avoid foods that could cause damage to the braces, such as:

  • Hard candies
  • Gum
  • Nuts
  • Popcorn
  • Certain raw vegetables (for example, carrots)

Considerations

Regardless of what types of foods you eat with braces, it is important to keep the crevices between the teeth and around the braces very clean. That means brushing and flossing after meals to prevent the build-up of plaque and decay. Not only can failing to do so damage the teeth, but it can also cause discoloration.

Have more questions about orthodontic treatment? The Childers Orthodontics staff is always ready to answer all of your questions and help you get the most out of the treatment plan prescribed for you by Dr. Kyle Childers!

Foods that are Safe for Braces

Proper Diet while Undergoing Orthodontics

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proper diet orthodontics

Many people undergo orthodontic treatment during childhood, adolescence, and even into adulthood. Wearing orthodontic appliances like braces is sure to produce a beautiful smile. Though orthodontic treatments at Childers Orthodontics are designed to accommodate your lifestyle, chances are you will need to make some dietary modifications to prevent damage to your braces and prolong orthodontic treatment.

The First Few Days with Braces

The first few days wearing braces may be the most restrictive. During this time, the adhesive is still curing, which means you will need to consume only soft foods. This probably will not be a problem, however, as your teeth may be tender or sensitive while adjusting to the appliances.

Orthodontic Dietary Restrictions

You can eat most foods normally the way you did without braces. However, some foods can damage orthodontic appliances or cause them to come loose. Examples of foods you will need to avoid include:

  • Chewy foods like taffy, chewing gum, beef jerky, and bagels
  • Hard foods like peanuts, ice chips, and hard candy
  • Crunchy foods like chips, apples, and carrots

How to Continue to Eat the Foods You Love Most

Keep in mind that you may still be able to enjoy some of the foods you love by making certain modifications to the way you eat them. For example, steaming or roasting carrots makes them softer and easier to consume with braces. Similarly, you can remove corn from the cob, or cut up produce like apples and pears to avoid biting into them. Other tips include grinding nuts into your yogurt or dipping hard cookies into milk to soften them. If you must eat hard candies, simply suck on them instead of biting into them.

If you have any question whether a food is safe to eat during your treatment with Childers Orthodontics, we encourage you to err on the side of caution. Of course, you can always contact our Benton, Harrisburg or Herrin, IL office with any questions you have about your diet and the foods that should be avoided during treatment. By following our dietary instructions and protecting your orthodontic appliances from damage, you will be back to chewing gum in no time.

Proper Diet while Undergoing Orthodontics.

Five Tips in Caring for Your Braces During Orthodontic Treatment

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Braces 1

Five Tips for Your Braces

After getting your braces, it is important to know how to take care of your teeth in order to ensure that your braces stay intact and do their job so that your teeth are in top-notch condition after you complete your orthodontic treatment. Today, our team at Childers Orthodontics thought we would provide you with five tips you need to know to ensure you undergo successful treatment at our Benton, Harrisburg or Herrin, IL office.

Flossing

Flossing twice a day or after every meal can help you clean areas between teeth and other places a toothbrush can miss. We also recommend using a floss threader, which can be used to help you navigate safely around your braces and brackets. It is vital to floss twice a day, preferably after lunch and before bedtime to keep gum disease and tooth decay at bay.

Brushing

Teeth and appliances should be brushed after every meal and before bedtime using fluoride toothpaste and gentle, soft strokes. We recommend using an interdental toothbrush, which can help you clean the hard-to-reach areas under wires better than an ordinary toothbrush.

Using Elastics

This phase of orthodontic treatment requires cooperation and consistency on your part. If your orthodontist has prescribed elastics, make sure they are worn at all times, except when eating meals or brushing teeth. It’s important that you wear the correct size elastics and have extras in case they are misplaced. By failing to wear your elastics for even one day, you run the risk your teeth moving back toward their original position.

Addressing Damage to Your Braces

In case your appliances are damaged, we ask that you call our team at Childers Orthodontics immediately to set up an appointment.

Eat Friendly Foods

When undergoing treatment, there are certain foods you must avoid. Foods that are hard, sticky, chewy or sour can add months to your treatment time. These includes gum, caramels, taco shells, nuts, ice, chips or hard candies.

We hope that helps! If you have any questions, please give us a call at our Benton, Harrisburg or Herrin, IL office or ask us during your next adjustment appointment!

Five Tips in Caring for Your Braces During Orthodontic Treatment

Together, We Keep Your Orthodontic Treatment Moving Smoothly

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Orthodontic Treatment
Have you ever asked us, “How long until my braces come off?!” Well, we hope you know that we don’t mind that question one bit, and we’re not surprised when you occasionally ask it. We hear that question often! We know that you’re eager to see your new smile. We are too!

We Have A Plan, But There Are Variables…

We map out a very specific treatment plan for each of you, complete with its own timeline. Because every one of our valued patients is different, we’ve learned to be flexible.

People have different biological responses and some people’s teeth may move faster or slower than others’. Some patients are more sensitive to changes in their mouth too. Whatever the condition, we want all of you to be completely comfortable during your treatment. The pacing of your treatment may be influenced by your comfort level.

There are Things You Can Do

Luckily, a lot of the power is in YOUR hands. By following these guidelines, you can avoid unnecessary setbacks and help ensure that your orthodontic treatment goes smoothly.

  • Be consistent in keeping your appointments. Try not to postpone or cancel!
  • Be on time to appointments. This gives us time to do everything we planned.
  • Be diligent about wearing rubber bands, attachable appliances, etc.
  • Avoid damage to your braces by following our food guidelines and wearing mouth protection during sports.
  • Take good care of your teeth! Gum disease or restorative dental work can slow down orthodontic treatment.

Taking Care Of Your Braces Is Important

Here are a few awesome tips!

Stay On Target

Remember that you’re on your way to a straight, beautiful, and healthy smile. Stay on track with your good habits, and you’ll be there in no time. We promise to do our part to move your orthodontic treatment along efficiently. If you have any questions about your treatment time, just let us know or visit our office at Benton, Harrisburg or Herrin, IL for more information.

Together, We Keep Your Orthodontic Treatment Moving Smoothly.

Permanent or Removable Retainers: Which is Right for You?

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Permanent or Removable retainers

Permanent or Removable Retainers

When the time comes for Dr. Kyle Childers to remove your braces, it is very exciting. Unfortunately, it can be somewhat confusing, too, because you are faced with choosing between two kinds of retainers. Should you go with permanent, removable, or a combination of the two? It is always wise to follow Childers Orthodontics recommendations, but knowing more about the two types of retainer beforehand can be helpful.

Removable Retainers

Removable retainers offer the advantage of easy use: you will generally put a removable retainer in at night and take it out in the morning. Regardless of your retainer schedule, you’ll be able to enjoy some time with no retainer. However, a removable retainer can easily be forgotten at times, and this means you won’t be taking full advantage of teeth retention.

Another potential advantage of a removable retainer is that you can take it out and brush and floss your teeth with ease, which is more of a challenge with a permanent retainer. Although removable retainers can be very effective, they don’t tend to be as effective as permanent retainers, especially if they are not used as directed.

Permanent Retainers

Permanent retainers are the clear choice for patients who want to “get it and forget it.” Once your permanent retainer is placed in your mouth, you won’t need to worry about daily retainer schedules, since it is permanently affixed to your teeth.

Because teeth begin to shift naturally as we age, a permanent retainer typically offers better long-term results for teeth straightening than a removable one. You can’t forget to put it in — it’s already there! Temporary retainers get lost or are forgotten on trips, and often fail to get used as often as they should be.

One drawback to permanent retainers is flossing. Some patients find it more difficult to floss with a permanent retainer, but we can show you effective ways to floss fairly quickly with your permanent retainer.

Some orthodontists may recommend a combination of the two; for example, a removable retainer for the top teeth and a permanent one for the lower ones because the lower teeth are smaller and tend to shift more.

Ultimately, the most important thing to remember is that wearing your retainer as directed is extremely important. As long as you follow our orthodontist’s advice, you will get the best results from your retainer, regardless of its type. If you’re still not sure whether the choice you’ve made is truly right for you, get in touch with us at our Benton, Harrisburg or Herrin, IL location right away!

Permanent or Removable Retainers: Which is Right for You?

Why should I visit the dentist during my treatment?

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Image of smiling patient looking at the dentist

So, you just got your braces on, and you’re wondering why you should continue visiting your general dentist since you’re seeing Dr. Kyle Childers every other month. Patients always ask us if they should continue to see their dentist while in orthodontic treatment. The answer is yes.

Why should I visit the dentist during my treatment?

Today, we thought we would share a few reasons why it’s crucial to keep up with your regular visits with your dentist in addition to coming in for your regular adjustments at Childers Orthodontics.

Remove Plaque and Tartar

One of the best reasons to visit your dentist while you undergo orthodontic treatment is to remove plaque and tartar. Having braces provides additional nooks and crannies in which food particles and bacteria can hide. Eventually, plaque and tartar can form around your brackets, bands or other appliances which can lead to cavities. Having your teeth professionally cleaned can help ensure most, if not all, plaque and tartar is removed. Even if you are undergoing clear aligner treatment, dental checkups and cleanings are equally important.

Protect Teeth from Decalcification

The next reason to visit a dentist is to help protect your teeth from decalcification, or the loss of calcium in your teeth. A potentially serious condition in which white spots on your tooth surfaces, decalcification is irreversible and if left untreated, can lead to cavities. Decalcification is preventable; patients who cut down on sugary sweets and acidic foods, practice good oral hygiene, and visit their dentist regularly can help prevent decalcification.

Protection from Cavities

The final reason we recommend visiting your dentist while you have braces is this: cavities can prolong your treatment. If you are interested in completing your orthodontic treatment on time and without any delays, visiting your dentist every six months or as recommended can go a long way toward making that a realistic goal. Your dentist can provide fluoride treatments or other treatments that strengthen your teeth and protect them from cavities.

Making sure to visit your dentist will help ensure your teeth look their best once your braces come off. If you do not have a general dentist and would like a recommendation on finding one in the Benton, Harrisburg or Herrin, IL area, please give us a call or let us know at your next adjustment appointment

Why should I visit the dentist during my treatment?