At this point, braces are nothing new. They’ve been around for decades, and even people who have never had braces and never needed them are fairly familiar with how they work. Yet, myths abound about braces, and we feel it’s time to set the record straight about this effective and reliable orthodontic treatment!

Myth: Braces Are Only for Kids

Fact: While many people get braces in their teens, adults can benefit just as much from braces in Overland Park, KS. In fact, more adults than ever are choosing braces or clear aligners to improve their smiles and oral health.

Myth: Braces Will Set Off Metal Detectors

Fact: Braces are made from lightweight metals that won’t trigger alarms at airports or security checkpoints. You can travel worry-free without any issues.

Myth: Braces Are Extremely Painful

Fact: While some discomfort is normal, especially after adjustments, modern braces are designed to be more comfortable than ever. Any soreness usually fades within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

Myth: Braces Work Instantly

Fact: Teeth need time to shift into their correct positions. While some people may see minor changes quickly, full treatment typically takes several months to a few years, depending on the case. Rushing the process can lead to long-term problems like root damage or tooth instability.

Myth: You Can’t Eat Your Favorite Foods

Fact: While some hard or sticky foods should be avoided, most foods can still be enjoyed with a little extra care. Cutting crunchy foods into smaller pieces and avoiding excessively chewy treats will help prevent damage to the brackets and wires.

Understanding the truth about braces can make the experience less intimidating. Your orthodontist in Overland Park, KS can tell you all the facts about orthodontic treatment so you don’t fall prey to the myths! Contact us today to book your appointment!

Cleaning lingual braces can be challenging. However, you don’t need to worry because your orthodontist in Shawnee, KS, will show you what to do and recommend tools to make it easier. But until then, here are some tips for cleaning lingual braces should you choose this option.

What Are Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces in Shawnee, KS, are just like conventional metal braces, except they are placed on the backs of your teeth instead of the fronts. Since they are placed on the backs of your teeth, they are virtually invisible, making them perfect for those who want to have their teeth straightened but don’t want their braces to show. They are also frequently preferred by adults who work and don’t want the “braces look” to interfere with their job performance, promotions, and opportunities.

Tips and Tricks for Cleaning Lingual Braces

Since metal braces have brackets and wires, it’s harder to remove food debris. They are also harder to brush and keep clean. That’s why we are giving you these tips and tricks for cleaning your lingual braces. We hope this helps!

• Use a Smaller Toothbrush
• Try an Interdental Brush (tool used to reach areas your toothbrush can’t)
• Use a Floss Threader (for flossing)
• Add a Water Flosser for Additional Cleaning
• Use Mouthwash or Fluoride Rinse
• Avoid Eating Sticky Foods
• Use the 45° Angle Brushing Technique (your orthodontist will show you how)
• See Your Orthodontist Regularly

Do You Need a Reputable Orthodontist in Shawnee, KS?

Having braces means you are going to need an experienced orthodontist to make sure your teeth are progressing according to your treatment plan. Please Contact Bulleigh Orthodontics today to schedule an exam. We have a friendly team of professionals who truly care about you and your oral health!

If you want to have your teeth straightened, getting braces in Shawnee, KS, was probably your first thought. But then, you do a quick search for teeth straightening, and you stumble upon a DIY at-home teeth straightening kit. You think to yourself that this might be the way to go.

But wait!

Not so fast!

There are a few things you need to know first if you want to avoid permanent damage and expensive, extensive dental fixes to undo the damage.

Why Mail Order Teeth Straightening Options Are a Bad Idea

Mail-order at-home teeth straightening options are a relatively new idea. They are something that, on the surface, sounds like a good idea but one that could result in significant damage to your teeth.

Here’s why:

At-home teeth straightening kits allow people to self-diagnose and treat themselves. This, in itself, is shocking, especially since an orthodontist has to have years of training, be licensed, and know what they are doing before they can treat anyone.

An individual can’t take their own X-rays and dental impressions to treat and monitor the progress of their treatment. Additionally, they don’t have an orthodontist in Shawnee, KS, who can physically look at their teeth to properly monitor their progress and determine when their teeth are ready for the next set of aligners.

How At-Home Teeth Straightening Kits Can Damage Your Teeth

Here are just a few of the ways an at-home teeth straightening kit could damage your teeth.

• You can’t examine yourself to see if you have any underlying conditions.
• Wearing dental aligners unsupervised can lead to gum damage, periodontitis, gingivitis, root damage and root resorption, gum recession, loose teeth, tooth loss, bite problems, and dangerous infections.
• At-home kits don’t account for your bone structure, which could lead to significant oral issues.
• Teeth that shift too quickly and aggressively can result in other damage.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Orthodontist in Shawnee, KS?

If you want to have your teeth straightened, please Contact Bulleigh Orthodontics today. We’d love to show you just how easy and affordable having your teeth straightened can be.

Whether you’re getting braces for yourself as an adult, or you’re having braces done for your child, you’ll want to know that the time and money invested leads to a successful outcome. The treatment for typical braces in Overland Park, KS takes about 1-1/2 to 2 years. During that time, the teeth and jaw undergo significant change. Both you and your orthodontist want to ensure that the teeth, jaw and gums remain healthy so the results after treatment meet or exceed expectations. Here are best practices for successful braces treatment.

Avoid Certain Foods

Braces have all kinds of nooks and crannies where food debris can hide and lodge, raising the risk that you won’t be able to get rid of it with regular brushing and rinsing. It can be very frustrating trying to get soft bread out of braces brackets, trust us! Your orthodontist will give you a list of foods to avoid, and you should adhere to it carefully during the duration of treatment.

Don’t Miss Adjustment Appointments

Adjustment appointments where when yourorthodontist in Overland Park, KS tightens the wires on your braces. In turn, this helps shift teeth a little bit more into the desired position. Missing these important appointments, even by a few days, means lengthening the treatment time.

Choose Your Orthodontist Carefully

Not all orthodontists are the same in terms of quality of treatment, experience and aftercare. If you live in or around Overland Park, KS, you’re lucky enough to be near Bulleigh Orthodontics. We have a highly experienced staff of orthodontists, a stellar reputation and experience with both child and adult braces treatment.

At Bulleigh Orthodontics, we invite you to contact us for an appointment to discuss your orthodontic needs. We look forward to seeing you!

If you need braces, you probably don’t want them to be visible. When most people think about braces, they picture the traditional metal braces that are placed on the fronts of your teeth. However, there are other options, like lingual braces. But what are lingual braces? Your orthodontist in Shawnee, KS, can tell you all about them. But for now, let’s go over lingual braces and how they work.

Lingual Braces Explained

Lingual braces in Shawnee, KS, are hidden from view because they are placed on the backs of your teeth versus being placed on the fronts like traditional metal braces. They still work just like traditional metal braces, with one exception.

Lingual braces are actually more effective when it comes to correcting certain oral issues. For example, lingual braces work better for correcting gaps between your teeth and fixing a deep overbite.

How Do Lingual Braces Work?

The process for how lingual braces work isn’t much different than that of traditional metal braces. The only difference is they are placed on the backs of your teeth versus the fronts. The way they move your teeth is pretty much the same.

The Pros and Cons of Lingual Braces

There are plenty of reasons to choose lingual braces, especially if you don’t want your new braces to be visible; therefore, the pros of getting lingual braces far outweigh the cons.

Pros:

• Invisible from the Outside
• Effectively Correct Bite Issues
• Customized for Maximum Comfort and Efficiency
• Can Correct a Wide Range of Orthodontic Issues

Cons:

• Harder to Clean and Maintain
• A Bit More Uncomfortable Than Traditional Braces (this is debatable)
• More Expensive Than Traditional Braces
• Can Cause a Temporary Lisp

Are You Looking for a Reputable Orthodontist in Shawnee, KS?

If you need braces and want to discuss options like lingual braces, please Contact Bulleigh Orthodontics for an exam and consultation. We will go over all your options with you, along with our recommendations. Then you can decide which one is right for you.