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Offices in Temecula and Lake Elsinore — (951) 699-8011
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Temecula and Lake Elsinore - (951) 699-8011
Payment Options, if Qualified

How Straight Teeth Improves Dental Health for Your Kids

Interceptive Orthodontics

One of the best reasons for early orthodontic treatment is to identify and correct teeth and jaw issues before they progress into more serious conditions. By correcting the progression of orthodontic problems, treatment with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Ryan Redford means your child will enjoy a healthier, happier smile throughout their life.

Braces and clear aligners are the best way to straighten teeth, depending upon the specific needs of each patient. A specialized child orthodontist at Burke & Redford Orthodontists is specially trained to look for interceptive orthodontic issues children or teenagers may be developing. Our expert doctors know how to intervene and treat these issues before they can develop into bigger problems.

Future tooth extractions, potential jaw surgery, and secondary bite issues are examples of problems that a kid’s orthodontist may be able to limit or resolve with early orthodontic treatment.

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Types of Braces

There are a few different types of braces systems that an orthodontist may use to straighten teeth. Metal braces have been utilized successfully in nearly every type of orthodontic case. Whether the patient is suffering from an overbite, cross bite, underbite, or crooked teeth, metal braces can provide an outstanding orthodontic result.

Ceramic braces are another popular choice of orthodontists and patients alike. The brackets used in ceramic braces systems are composed of ceramic, which may be clear or tooth colored. They straighten teeth just as well as metal braces but are less visible.

Damon braces are a brand of self-ligating braces that do not require the use of ligatures to secure the archwire to the brackets. Rather, the archwire is secured with an open-and-close door mechanism, which makes for easier adjustments.

Self-ligating braces, such as the popular GC Experience brand that Burke & Redford Orthodontists primarily use, has a technologically advanced door mechanism that adheres the archwire to the brackets. As with Damon braces, this brand also allows the patient to receive all the benefits that come with a self-ligating system. These systems come in both metal and ceramic versions.

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Can Retainers Straighten Teeth?

Retainers do not straighten teeth like braces or clear aligners do. They do not apply the steady force needed to make major changes to the position of teeth. Rather, they simply hold teeth in their current positions.

However, if it has been a few weeks since wearing a custom retainer, it may undo very small shifts that have occurred since the last time it was worn. Additionally, there are some special types of retainers that can make very minor (and specific) changes to the alignment of teeth.

Using retainers to straighten teeth generally is not advised or successful, especially if the retainer fits poorly. Schedule an appointment with us to see if any adjustments need to be made with the retainer you received initially at our office.

The warm, friendly staff at Burke & Redford Orthodontists welcomes your call at (951) 699-8011 for any orthodontic questions and concerns.

The Importance of Good Hygiene

The doctors at Burke & Redford Orthodontists realize one of the key foundations of great oral health is good hygiene. Dr. Ryan Redford and his highly skilled clinical orthodontic assistants provide superior orthodontic care and understand the importance of straighter teeth in contributing to good overall dental health.

Oral hygiene is the important practice of keeping teeth and gums clean, which is the best way to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues.

Good oral hygiene is also helpful in preventing bad breath. Bad breath can create embarrassing social situations for children and teens. It is vital to instill good oral hygiene habits at an early age, so they are carried forward throughout a person’s lifetime. Good habits include:

  • Getting biannual dental checkups and cleanings
  • Teeth brushing
  • Flossing
  • Using fluoride
  • Eating healthy foods
  • Avoiding sugary foods and beverages

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Oral Hygiene and Heart Health

Dental hygiene is important to oral health because it reduces the risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease, in addition to more serious dental problems. Initially, these health issues can reveal visually unappealing or painful symptoms. If left untreated, gum disease and tooth decay can lead to periodontal disease, gingivitis, and infections. The bacteria associated with dental disease can then be introduced into the bloodstream and travel in blood vessels throughout the body. This can ultimately travel to the heart with adverse effects.

Our orthodontists will encourage you to visit your family dentist regularly for professional teeth cleanings and checkups throughout the orthodontic process. This is recommended to keep your child’s braces free from plaque, tartar, and debris.

Again, children’s dental health is an important component of their overall health. The earlier a child learns excellent oral hygiene habits such as brushing after meals, flossing, and limiting sugary snacks, the easier it will be to avoid the consequences of tooth decay and gum disease.

A Child’s Need for Braces

Crooked teeth, crowding, and tight spaces between teeth may all lead to difficulty in implementing proper oral hygiene. Teeth that are at an angle, crooked, or turned sideways can make it hard to reach the small spaces between teeth while brushing. As plaque collects, it can harden into tartar. Tartar buildup along the gumline may contribute to gum disease.

The same can be said for crowding and tight spaces between teeth. Difficulty flossing can lead to a collection of bacteria into a biofilm between teeth, which is the number one cause of gingivitis and gum disease. This is especially true for children who may have difficulty or are resistant to flossing. Trouble getting the floss into tight, hard-to-reach places caused by crooked teeth will exacerbate this issue.

Straighter teeth are easier to clean, especially for kids and teens who may struggle with a good daily hygiene regimen. When teeth are aligned and no longer crowded after orthodontic treatment, the effort required to remove plaque from around the teeth will be minimized. Flossing is more successful at preventing tartar buildup when the spaces between teeth can be easily accessed.

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Healthy Smiles

Habits formed at a young age typically follow through to adulthood and create healthier, lifelong oral habits. Straight teeth contribute to this, and a straight teeth smile is a smile a child or teen can be proud of showing off.

Great oral healthcare is rewarded with the following results:

  • Pink gums
  • Smooth, bright tooth surfaces
  • Gums that do not bleed after brushing or flossing
  • Less tooth decay
  • Fresh breath

Call Burke & Redford Orthodontists in Temecula or Lake Elsinore at (951) 699-8011 to schedule a free orthodontic consultation and discuss your braces or Invisalign options. We offer zero-interest financing.

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