Minor Problems Can Be a Big Pain

Orthodontic treatment can take some getting use to.You now have an appliance fixed into your mouth you have to worry about. It it common to experience minor discomfort which can be relived by over the counter pain relievers, eating soft food or rinsing with warm salt water. However, there are rare cases of actual orthodontic emergencies. Here are a few common orthodontic problems, along with some tips on what you can do to relieve them at home we here at Rhode Island Orthodontic Group want to share with you.

via aaoinfo.org

Food Caught Between Teeth


This is not an emergency, but can be a little uncomfortable or embarrassing for the braces-wearing
student. It is easily fixed with a piece of dental floss. Try tying a small knot in the middle of the floss to help remove the food. Or use an interproximal brush or toothpick to dislodge food caught between teeth and braces.

Ligatures Come Off


If a rubber ligature should come off, you may be able to put it back in place using sterile tweezers. If a
wire ligature comes loose, simply remove it with sterile tweezers. If the wire ligature is sticking out into the lip but is not loose, it may be bent back down with a Q-tip or pencil eraser to eliminate the irritation. Of course, when one ligature pops off or breaks, others may follow. Be sure to examine all ligatures before sending the student back to class. Missing or broken ligatures should be brought to the attention of the student’s parents, who should then inform the orthodontist.

Irritation in Mouth

Sometimes new braces can be irritating to the mouth, especially when the patient is eating. A small amount of non-medicinal relief wax makes an excellent buffer between metal and mouth. Simply pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation. The patient may then eat lunch more comfortably. Let the student know that if the wax is accidentally ingested it’s not a problem. The wax is harmless.

Protruding Wire

Occasionally the end of a wire will work itself out of place and irritate the patient’s mouth. Use a Q-tip or pencil eraser to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth. If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax. (See Irritation of Cheeks or Lips above for instructions on applying relief wax.) The patient’s parents will need to make the orthodontist aware of the problem.

Loose or broken brackets, bands or wires

If the band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it as is — but don't connect any elastics to it! You can cover it with orthodontic wax if it's irritating the inside of your mouth. If it has come off, save it. In either case, call our office to let us know what happened, and we will schedule a visit. Be sure to bring any loose parts with you to the appointment!


Fortunately, the vast majority of orthodontic problems are minor compared to these situations — but they may still cause discomfort or irritation. In general, it's best to try and soothe the immediate cause of the discomfort, and then call our office to schedule an appointment.

How Does Two-Phase Orthodontics Work?

Are you aware of two-phased orthodontics? If not, don’t worry you’re not alone. Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that involves facial and jaw changes along with straightening teeth. This process allows Rhode Island Orthodontics to create a healthy functional smile with results that remain stable after treatment. One benefit of two-phase orthodontics in certain cases, it can prevent adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

How does it work?

Two-phase orthodontics starts with interceptive orthodontic care. This is a process where Rhode Island Orthodontics intercepts an oral problem before it continues to get our of control. Typically, treatment starts with younger children in order to manipulate teeth and growth before it’s too late. The best age for this is between 7 and 10-year-old. With interceptive orthodontics, treatment is about 4 to 12 months with monitoring of the child after that to discuss is possible second phase treatment.

Once a majority of the adult teeth have erupted, the second phase can begin. The average treatment time of the second phase is about 12 months of braces on the teeth. Retainers are worn after treatment to hold the correct position of the teeth.

If you are interested in learning more about Two-Phase Orthodontics, contact Rhode Island Orthodontics to discuss it more. We love answering questions and providing a solid foundation of information to those who are interested in treatment for their children or themselves.

Maintaining Your Retainer

To stay fresh and germ-free, all retainers need proper cleaning. A Hawley-type retainer can be brushed gently with a regular toothbrush — but a brush may scratch the clear aligner types. Denture cleaners, in powder or tablet form, as well as special retainer cleaners, can be used to clean most removable retainers. Fixed retainers are cleaned by brushing and flossing; a floss threader or interproximal brush can also be a helpful cleaning tool when needed.

Finally, remember to always carry — and use — a retainer case. You'd be surprised how many retainers end up folded in a napkin and accidentally discarded! Also, don't expose your retainer to excess heat by washing it in very hot water or leaving it on a heater: That can cause the retainer to warp and make it unusable. With proper care and conscientious use, a retainer can help you transition from braces to a permanent, healthy smile.

For  more questions or concerns about maintaining your retainer, visit our website or give Rhode Island Orthodontics a call.

Benefits of Braces for Teens

The teenage years are often the best time to have orthodontic treatment.The ages of 12 and 15 are the optimal years to receive treatment as the adult teeth have erupted but facial growth is still occurring. At Rhode Island Orthodontic Group, we strive to keep treatment times as quick as possible while still ensuring amazing results. In general, treatment times are between 12 and 24 months.

Having braces in your teens has a variety of benefits including:

• Growth is ongoing and generally helpful to orthodontic treatment 
• Friends and classmates are often also in braces 
• A confident smile increases self-esteem at a sensitive age 
• Provides a lifelong beautiful smile throughout adult years (with use of retainers) 

If you would like to learn more about orthodontic treatment for teens at Rhode Island Orthodontic Group, visit our website or call us at one of our offices in East Greenwich, Warwick,Wickford, Wakefield, Coventry, Barrington and Westerly, Rhode Island.

#RIOrtho Q & A

What causes orthodontic problems, and how will early prevention benefit my child?

Orthodontic problems such as crowding of the teeth, too much space between the teeth, jaw growth problems, protruding teeth, and bad bites can be inherited or caused by injury to the mouth, early or late loss of baby teeth, or thumb sucking habits.

Most children have lost all their baby teeth by age 13 and by the end of their teen years the jaw bones will harden and no longer continue to grow. Orthodontic procedures for adults often take more time and can involve tooth extraction and the possibility of oral surgery. As a child, receiving early orthodontic treatment can help prevent the need for orthodontics as an adult, leaving little to no chance of extraction or surgery in the future.

If your child is between the ages of seven and eight and shows signs of needing orthodontic care, or if you have been directed by your family dentist to visit the orthodontist, please contact Rhode Island Orthodontic Group and schedule an appointment. Our team will provide your child with an initial exam, and discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for your child’s smile.

We Use State of the Art Technology

Rhode Island Orthodontic Group understands that crafting a great smile takes time, but with today’s technology we can deliver results faster to our patients by using cutting edge tools such as a digital scanner that allows us to capture digital images of your teeth and bite rather than using uncomfortable, unpleasant-tasting, messy and sometimes inaccurate impressions.Not only does this new technology tool help us get your results faster, but they also make treatment easier on you as a patient.

It’s time to say goodbye to those messy molds associated with beginning orthodontic treatment, and say hello to our digital scanners. Our digital scanning technology allow us to provide a more comfortable procedure while treating patients for orthodontics. We can capture an extremely accurate digital impression of teeth within minutes with the scanners, and print orthodontic appliance parts as we need them.

Another awesome fact about the 3D technology is we can use them with all Invisalign related services.

Orthodontics is a life-changing experience, and we appreciate the opportunity to share in the experience with you as you enhance your smile! The doctors and staff at Rhode Island Orthodontic Group look forward to seeing you soon!

Make S'mores on a Stick for National S'mores Day

Did you know today is National S'mores Day? If you're not familiar with this delicious treat, traditionally s'mores is a popular dessert amongst campers. Typically, you camp, sit around a fire, and toast marshmallows that you use to create a gooey scrumptious sandwich combined with chocolate bars and graham crackers.

If you want to celebrate National S'mores Day today, we encourage you to do so! Want to try something different? Add some flare to your s'mores! Try out this new s'more recipe and let us know what you think!

S'mores on a Stick Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk, divided
• 1 cup miniature marshmallows
• 1-1/2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips, divided
• 24 whole graham crackers, broken in half
• Assorted sprinkles
• 24 Popsicle sticks

Directions

1. In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave 2/3 cup milk on high for 1-1/2 minutes. Add marshmallows and 1 cup chips; stir until smooth. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto 24 graham cracker halves; spread evenly. Top with remaining graham cracker halves; press down gently.
2. Microwave remaining milk for 1-1/2 minutes. Add remaining chips; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cookies; decorate with sprinkles. Let stand for 2 hours before inserting a Popsicle stick into the center of each. Yield: 2 dozen.