How Braces Can Improve Your Health and Your Smile

Traditionally braces have been used to transform a persons’ smile and appearance.  They can actually do much more. In addition to giving patients a stunning smile, they can also correct some dental health issues and decrease the pain that is associated with them.  The staff at MG Dental are experts at improving peoples’ smiles and oral health.

Here are some ways a patients’ health can improve.

Bad Bite or Malocclusion

When a persons’ bite is off it can impact their ability eat property and cause discomfort and jaw pain.  Adjusting the bite takes time and orthodontics.  Not only do the teeth need to move but the bite has to be aligned so that the top teeth fit securely over the bottom ones.  This is typically done with a rubber band system.  The orthodontist will provide instructions on how to string a rubber band from the top brackets to the bottom ones.  This will hold your bite in place throughout the day and evening.  At each appointment, the orthodontist will tell you if your rubber bands need to be worn differently or if you can stop wearing them all together.  The orthodontist may recommend additional ways to adjust your bite but by the time the braces are removed, your bite will also be aligned.

Crooked Teeth

Teeth that are crooked tend to trap food and bacteria.  It is difficult to brush them and to remove all of the bacteria that forms.  This can lead to an increased risk of cavities for that tooth along with the ones around it.  By straightening the tooth, or teeth, an orthodontist can help you to stay in good oral health and reduce these risks.

Jaw Pain

When your teeth are out of alignment, it can cause jaw pain.  These symptoms can manifest themselves as TMJ.  Basically, at night people can tend to grind their teeth or clench them together which can cause sore jaw and face muscles.  At times, this can be corrected by wearing a mouth guard to bed, while other patients need to have their teeth straightened to prevent grinding and clenching.  Once braces are removed most people need to wear a retainer which can also prevent clenching and grinding.

In addition to improving a persons’ overall health, braces will improve their appearance.  A bright, straight smile is welcoming, and people with straight smiles feel more confident and self-assured.  They say that beauty comes from within and in many ways that is true.  The challenge is that when people feel insecure or unattractive, they don’t believe in their own beauty.  Sometimes, improving someone’s smile is all it takes to give them the confidence they need to believe in themselves and approach the world boldly.

The staff at MG Dental enjoy being part of this transformation and welcome new patients.  To learn how your smile can be transformed, call 718-416-6444 to schedule an appointment or speak with one of our experienced team members.  

Invisalign Can Straighten Your Smile: The Invisible Way!

If you want a straight smile Invisalign can help.  Many people want to have the perfect smile but are uncomfortable wearing traditional braces due to their appearance.  Whether an adult professional or college student, there are times where wearing metal braces isn’t conducive to a patients overall goals or busy schedule.  We offer an alternative to traditional braces that can straighten your smile – the invisible way.

In order to determine if you are a candidate, schedule an appointment with MG Dental Orthodontics.  We will evaluate your teeth, gums, and smile and discuss your overall goals.  Based on that conversation, and teeth inspection, we will give a recommendation as to the best ways to straighten your teeth.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign can straighten your teeth without anyone ever knowing that you are wearing a corrective device.  It is completely clear and fits over the top of your teeth similar to how a retainer would.  You can speak and drink normally and take it out while eating meals.  The goal is to wear it for 22 hours out of the day. 

During your examination, we will take a mold of your mouth and use it to create custom aligners.  These aligners are worn for a couple of weeks then switched out to the next set.  Gradually, your teeth will move into place by simply wearing a more recent aligner.  Since they are made ahead of time, you don’t need to schedule as many visits to the orthodontist as you do with traditional braces that need to be adjusted on-site.  This makes them a good alternative for someone with an extremely busy schedule.

There are also fewer accessories with this orthodontic solution.  Traditional braces may require things like rubber bands to be worn during the process and people need special tools in order to floss.  The only thing you need with Invisalign is your custom made aligners.  You can brush and floss like normal.

Can Anyone Get Invisalign?

This process isn’t for everyone.  There are some bite issues that may require traditional metal braces to be worn. If this is the case, we can provide that option, as well.  There is no one size fits all treatment when it comes to orthodontics.  We evaluate each patient on a case by case basis to determine the best way to straighten their teeth, working within their lifestyle and budgetary goals.  By providing multiple options, patients are in control of their overall health and wellbeing. 

Regardless, of how you straighten your teeth it is important to keep them in good condition by brushing after every meal and flossing daily.  This will prevent bacteria from building up and reduce the risk of staining your teeth.  It is also wise to use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill any lingering bacteria.  We will provide you with information on how to care for your teeth at home so that you can have the beautiful and healthy smile that you have always wanted.