When considering braces options, it’s important to remember that not all braces are worn on the outside of your teeth. Lingual braces are worn on the side of your teeth facing your tongue. If you’re a patient – or the parent of a patient – who is worried about the appearance of braces, lingual braces can be an excellent option. 

The orthodontist in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS, can help you decide if lingual braces are right for you. Below are three reasons to consider lingual braces. 

1. Virtually Invisible

The greatest advantage of lingual braces is that they’re virtually invisible. Because lingual braces are placed on the side of the teeth that face the tongue, it’s very difficult to see lingual braces when you smile. 

Most people will never know you have braces at all. If you feel self-conscious about the idea of wearing traditional braces, lingual braces may be a great option for you. 

2. Effective Against Most Problems

Lingual braces are effective against most problems. Unless you have an unusual or complex case, you can probably resolve your condition with lingual braces.

3. Can Be Customized For Your Needs

Lingual braces can be customized for the patient to ensure that the braces will meet the patient’s unique needs. 

Lingual braces aren’t for everyone. Some people speak with a lisp after lingual braces are installed. This lisp is temporary. They can also be more expensive than traditional braces. If you’re interested in lingual braces in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS, talk to your orthodontist about the options. This can help you decide what type of braces options are best for you. 

 

Did you know that not everyone gets braces as a teen? Yes, it did used to be true that braces were just for teens, but that’s all in the past. More and more fully grown men and women are choosing to finally get their teeth aligned properly. Chances are, you may know someone who’s an adult with braces. Maybe it’s time you reconsidered getting braces, too?

Orthodontic Treatment Has No Age Limit

Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. As long as your gums and bone structure are in good condition, you can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, or even beyond. Many adults who didn’t have the chance to get braces earlier in life are now choosing to do so for both cosmetic and health reasons.

Options Beyond Traditional Braces

One of the reasons adult orthodontics in Overland Park, KS is on the rise is the variety of discreet options now available. Clear aligners, ceramic braces and lingual braces make it easier for adults to undergo treatment without drawing attention to their smile. These modern solutions offer flexibility, comfort and effectiveness; making them appealing for busy professionals and parents alike.

Oral Health Benefits

Braces aren’t just about looks. Crooked or misaligned teeth can lead to issues like tooth decay, gum disease, jaw pain, and difficulty cleaning between teeth. Straightening your teeth can improve your bite, speech, and long-term dental health.

As you can see now, braces aren’t only for teens; they’re for anyone who wants a healthier, more confident smile. It’s never too late to invest in braces. If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment, talk with your orthodontist in Overland Park, KS about the best options for your age, lifestyle, and goals. A straight smile can boost both your appearance and your oral health, no matter when you start.

Your orthodontist in Overland Park, KS did their part in fitting you for braces and putting them on your teeth. That takes care of that. But now you must do your part at home, school and work to ensure that when that momentous day dawns and it’s time for the big unveiling, your teeth are as healthy as possible, in addition to being perfectly lined up like a marching band at a parade!

Monitor What You Eat

From bubble gum to bread, there are certain things you should steer clear of when wearing braces. Basically, if there’s something that can get stuck in your braces, it will get stuck, and you don’t want that. You also don’t want to eat anything that could damage the braces. That means cutting out overly hard stuff like ice, hard candies and such.

Use Orthodontic Wax for Comfort

Braces may cause irritation to the cheeks and lips, especially in the beginning. Orthodontic wax, available through your orthodontist, provides a protective barrier over rough areas, reducing discomfort and preventing sores from impacting your gums and soft tissue inside your mouth.

Don’t Skip Orthodontist Visits

Regular checkups and cleanings are crucial to keeping teeth healthy while wearing braces. Your orthodontist will also make necessary adjustments to ensure progress stays on track.

Brush and Floss Regularly

Brushing at least twice a day is essential, but with braces, it’s even better to brush after every meal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean around the brackets and wires. An interdental or orthodontic toothbrush can help reach tricky areas. Flossing daily with a floss threader or water flosser removes trapped food particles and prevents gum inflammation.

Taking proper care of your teeth while wearing braces in Overland Park, KS helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and discoloration. With good hygiene and a little extra attention, you’ll be on your way to a healthier, more beautiful smile once your braces come off!

What do you do if your child has severe dental issues and needs to have their teeth straightened? It’s possible that traditional braces might not be the best option for the situation. An orthodontist in Shawnee, KS, will examine your child’s teeth and jaws and create a custom treatment plan for them. That treatment plan might include headgear braces.

What Are Headgear Braces?

Headgear braces are dental appliances that help bring a child’s jaws and teeth into alignment. Headgear braces are designed to create just enough force to move your child’s teeth into their proper position while guiding the growth of their face and jaws.

How Do Headgear Braces Work?

Headgear braces in Shawnee, KS, are placed outside your child’s mouth and around their head versus attached to the teeth inside their mouth. There are several different types of headgear available.

Cervical Headgear – Moves your child’s upper teeth and jaw backward.

High-Pull Headgear – Moves your child’s upper jaw backward and over their head.

Reverse-Pull Headgear (sometimes referred to as a facemask) – Moves your child’s upper jaw forward.

Your orthodontist will let you know which type of headgear your child needs to correct their oral issues.

How Are Headgear Braces Kept in Place?

Headgear is kept in place by using one of two methods.

Facebow – Afacebow is a single strap that is placed around the back of your child’s neck. It has a wire that is then attached to the braces on the front of their teeth.

J Hook – A J hook uses wires that attach to your child’s braces. Straps are then placed over their head and neck to hold the headgear in place.

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

If your child has teeth and jaw alignment issues, please Contact Bulleigh Orthodontics today to schedule an exam. We specialize in creating beautiful smiles and improving facial aesthetics to give your child a lifetime of confidence.

If you just got braces or are thinking about getting braces in Shawnee, KS, you probably want to know about what you can and can’t eat, right? So, let’s go over all the foods you can and can’t eat and how to modify the restricted foods so that you can eat them.

The Foods You Can Eat When Wearing Metal Braces

If you have traditional metal braces, you can eat all soft foods that aren’t sticky, chewy, or stringy. If you have any questions about whether or not you can or can’t eat any given food item, contact your orthodontist in Shawnee, KS, and they will advise you on what to do.

The Foods to Avoid When Wearing Metal Braces

You are probably aware that getting traditional metal braces means you will have to restrict your diet until they are removed.

Here is a list of foods you shouldn’t eat until your braces are removed.

• Popcorn
• Nuts
• Hard or sticky candy
• Chewing gum
• Corn on the cob
• Hard raw fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, etc.

And you probably already guessed this, but don’t chew on ice, pencils, fingernails, or open packages with your teeth.

How to Modify Restricted Foods So You Can Eat Them

Even though hard, raw fruits and vegetables are restricted, that doesn’t mean you can’t eat them at all. They just need to be modified first.

For example, if you want to eat hard, raw fruits or vegetables, you can cut them up into tiny pieces so that you can easily eat them. And sometimes things like apples, peaches, carrots, etc., can be cooked so they are soft enough to eat without damaging your braces.

Contact a Reputable Orthodontist in Shawnee, KS

If you have questions about your braces or about the possibility of getting braces, please Contact Bulleigh Orthodontics today. We have comfortable offices and a team of professionals ready and willing to help.