Retainer Compliance Preserves Spectacular Smiles

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The retention phase is the final and most critical stage of orthodontic treatment, ensuring that teeth remain in their newly corrected positions. Without a retainer, the ligaments and bone around the teeth can “relapse,” causing the teeth to shift back toward their original alignment. Consistent retainer wear is the only way to guarantee the lifelong stability of a spectacular smile.

Once your braces are removed or your Invisalign treatment is complete, the bone around your teeth continues to stabilize. At Bulleigh Orthodontics, we provide custom-fit retainers to every patient across our three locations. These devices hold the teeth firmly in place while the supporting structures harden. For the first few months, we typically recommend full-time wear, eventually transitioning to “nighttime for a lifetime” to combat the natural aging process of the jaw.

We offer several types of retainers depending on the patient’s needs, including clear Essix retainers, traditional Hawley retainers, and bonded (permanent) lingual retainers. Our team on Silverheel Street and 95th Street provides detailed instructions on how to clean and care for these appliances to prevent bacterial buildup. If a retainer is lost or damaged, it is a clinical emergency that requires immediate replacement to prevent unwanted tooth movement.

Bulleigh Orthodontics is committed to the long-term success of your treatment. We view retention as an insurance policy for your investment, ensuring your smile remains spectacular for years to come.

Braces with Baby Teeth? Yes, Sometimes!

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For many of today’s adults, braces were a rite of passage once they had most of their adult teeth. Yet there are many times when today’s kids actually get braces earlier. Early braces treatment has excellent benefits for certain orthodontic conditions. If you’re worried about your child’s teeth falling out and coming in during treatment, rest assured that your orthodontist in Shawnee or Overland Park, KS, can work around this common issue. Here are some times when braces on baby teeth make sense.

Crowding Issues

Many children have palettes that are too small for their adult teeth. Crowding can cause the adult teeth to come in at strange, unnatural angles. At Bulleigh Orthodontics, we use early orthodontic treatment to make enough room for those adult teeth in children whose mouths are particularly small. Sometimes, this early treatment can prevent the need for orthodontics later in life.

Serious Bite Issues

Extreme under- or overbites can lead to problems with your child’s jaw development. While sometimes these issues can wait, other times they need to be addressed early. This condition is a situation that your orthodontist in Shawnee or Overland Park, KS, needs to look more closely at in order to determine the right timing for treatment.

Prevent Orthodontic Issues from Thumb Sucking

Sometimes thumb and finger sucking causes bite issues that can impact the adult teeth. One of the benefits of early orthodontics is the ease with which the child can break this habit. Not only can you correct the alignment issues the habit caused, but the habit is also easier to break with orthodontic appliances in the mouth.

Is our child a candidate for early braces? The best way to tell is to visit the orthodontist. Make an appointment with Bulleigh Orthodontics to have your child’s bite and teeth evaluated.

 

Tips to Safely Speed up Your Treatment

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For most people undergoing braces treatment, the end result is their primary focus. If you find yourself wishing for faster treatment options, it’s important to remember that treatment from an orthodontist in Shawnee or Overland Park, KS, does take time. However, there are strategies that may help shave a little bit of that time off of your treatment plan, without sacrificing the quality of your care. Here’s what the team at Bulleigh Orthodontics recommends for people who want orthodontic treatment, but want it more quickly.

Stick to Your Appointment Schedule

One of the key factors in the speed of your treatment is how frequently you come in for your adjustments. If you can, make sure you come to your orthodontist in Shawnee or Overland Park, KS, as early as possible in the range of weeks they want to see you. For instance, if the orthodontist says they want to see you back in four to six weeks, make the appointment for four weeks.

Follow All Treatment Guidelines

If you have an expander with a key or rubber bands you have to wear, stick to the schedule. If you skip part of your treatment protocol, you’ll delay your treatment a bit. The more carefully that you follow your orthodontist’s treatment plan, the better your results will be.

Communicate Well

If you have a treatment deadline in mind, such as a big event you’d like to have your braces off for, and it’s within the window of time that your treatment should be completed, communicate this with your orthodontist at Bulleigh Orthodontics. Sometimes, we can plan your treatment accordingly.

Remember, braces do take time to work. But if you’re careful, you can shorten that time just a little with these tips.

Will Insurance Pay for Braces If I Have a Medical Reason?

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Getting braces can be a huge step for adults and teens alike. Not only is it a great way to brighten your smile, it can also make it easier to care for your teeth as you age.

Of course, some people may avoid braces because of their high-ticket cost — even if they may have more financial resources than they realize thanks to their insurance coverage. If you’re wondering what kind of assistance you’ll find for orthodontic work and whether it will cover the costs for a medical condition, we’ll look at the details below.

Does Insurance Cover Braces?

All dental insurance plans vary, not just by carrier but by policy type and location. In general, if you have coverage for orthodontic work, it’s up to a certain limit (e.g., $2,500 for the lifetime of the policy). However, even if you don’t have coverage for braces, you may still be able to file a claim through your health insurance. If your orthodontist in Shawnee, KS determines that you need braces to fix a medical necessity, you may be eligible under your current coverage.

What Counts as a Medical Necessity?

Medical necessity is something of a grey area, but it usually comes down to severity. For example, if you have extreme abnormalities, such as a life-impacting underbite that affects your ability to chew or speak. Or if you’re experiencing severe pain due to misaligned jaw or breathing obstructions while you sleep.

Find an Orthodontist in Shawnee

Braces in Shawnee, KS can solve a wide range of issues, especially if you have more severe developmental concerns. At Bulleigh Orthodontics, our team can help you learn more about your payment options, so that you can make the decision based on health and not budget.

When Can Early Orthodontic Treatment Begin?

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Early orthodontic treatment for parents may seem like overkill, especially since their child is going to lose their baby teeth anyway. However, most parents’ ears perk up when they hear that early orthodontic treatment may be able to save them the money (and time) of getting their teen braces. Here, we’ll look at not just what early orthodontic treatment is but when it can start for the best results.

What Is Early Treatment?

Early treatment in North Overland Park, KS largely refers to any practice that can help correct a child’s teeth, gums, and jaw before the issue has a chance to develop. This can mean anything from mouth guards, to help coax the teeth into the ideal position, to exercises that can help children stop unhealthy habits like thumb sucking.

Early treatment attempts to fix problems when they first emerge, as opposed to waiting several years and then installing metal braces or making the molds for clear aligners.

Does Early Treatment Work?

The answer ultimately depends on the child, but at the very least, you’ll know that you did everything you could to mitigate the impact of common issues, like overcrowding or severe underbites. The good news is that, with every passing year, orthodontists all over the country get better at catching problems sooner than later. If you’re wondering if your child is a good candidate, the right orthodontist in North Overland Park, KS can tell you more about their eligibility.

When Should My Child Get Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment can start as early as seven or as late as 10. If you’re looking for the best team in your area, consider that the orthodontists at Bulleigh Orthodontics have plenty of experience treating even the most complex cases.

5 Signs You Might Need to Get Braces 

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Is a bite problem affecting your daily life? Or are you tired of having crooked teeth? Braces are a common way to fix these problems. At Bulleigh Orthodontics, our orthodontists in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS, provide different types of braces for kids and adults. We may recommend this treatment if you’re experiencing any of the following signs.

Your Jaw Is Misaligned

Do you have an overbite or underbite? These are problems that can happen when your jaw alignment is off. Braces can help correct this issue.

Chewing Is Uncomfortable

Do your jaw muscles get tired and sore when you chew food? Jaw misalignments can cause this to occur, but braces offer a solution.

You Tend to Bite Your Cheek

Do you accidentally nip the inside of your mouth while chewing, talking, or opening and closing your mouth? This may happen if you have a misaligned jaw.

You Struggle with Certain Words or Letters

Is it hard to pronounce some sounds or words while talking? Braces can help correct bite problems that cause these speaking problems, helping you feel more confident about interacting with other people.

You Have Spaces Between Teeth

Do you have gaps between your teeth? This can happen when you have crooked teeth or when there’s a jaw misalignment issue. Wearing braces helps shift teeth and make them straighter, closing up these gaps.

Set Up a Visit Today for Braces!

Are you ready to fix a bite problem or straighten your teeth? Our orthodontists at Bulleigh Orthodontics offer braces in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS, as a solution for crooked teeth and alignment issues. We offer different kinds of braces to ensure the right results!

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take to Straighten Teeth?

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Do you have crooked teeth that make smiling in front of others uncomfortable? Rather than hiding your smile, consider Invisalign treatment for straighter teeth. Our orthodontists in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS, at Bulleigh Orthodontics can fit you with custom aligners that shift your teeth gradually. Let’s go over how long this treatment approach may take to work!

Type of Invisalign

The kind you get affects how long it takes to work. Invisalign Go for slight flaws may only take a few months, while traditional Invisalign can take up to 18 months to complete.

Severity of Bite or Tooth Problems

More severe issues take a longer time to fix. Invisalign might only take a few months to a year if you have minor flaws, but severe problems can take up to 18 months to correct.

How Often Aligners Are Worn

Invisalign has to be worn between 20 and 22 hours every day. If you don’t wear them this often, treatment will take a longer time overall.

Aligner Condition

Keeping your aligners in good shape helps ensure that they work effectively. Removing them before eating and keeping them clean are important parts of maintaining them and preventing damage.

New Aligner Sets

Coming in for updated aligner sets as scheduled helps keep treatment progressing. Delaying or skipping these visits leads to longer treatment times. Invisalign involves wearing different sets as your teeth change position.

Visit Our Orthodontists for an Invisalign Consultation!

Are you eager to finally have straight teeth and a smile you’re happy to show off? At Bulleigh Orthodontics, our orthodontic team offers Invisalign in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS, to help you achieve those results in weeks or months!

6 Types of Dental Braces to Correct Misalignments or Crooked Teeth

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Are you thinking of choosing braces for your teeth or for your child’s teeth? You might think they only come in one kind — traditional metal braces. But our orthodontists in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS, at Bulleigh Orthodontics offer several types of braces to suit different patients. Here’s a closer look at these various types.

Traditional Metal Braces

These braces include metal brackets and wires to hold them in place. They exert pressure on teeth to cause them to move position.

Clear Plastic Braces

This type isn’t as visible as metal braces. Clear braces are made of clear plastic that’s not as noticeable, making them a great choice for more discreet treatment.

Ceramic Braces

These braces are tooth-colored, allowing them to blend in with your teeth for a natural appearance. They’re designed to treat mild bite problems only since they’re not as durable as other braces.

Lingual Braces

For another nearly invisible type, there are lingual braces. These go on the back of your teeth rather than the front, keeping them hidden from view.

Braces for Early Treatment

Children can start having bite problems corrected when they’re as young as 7 or 8 years old. We may recommend early braces in these situations.

Braces for Adults

If you decide to get braces in your adult years, you have different options to choose from. You may want plastic or ceramic for low visibility, or you might choose metal for correcting more severe issues.

Make an Appointment Today for Braces!

Do you or your child need braces? At Bulleigh Orthodontics, our orthodontists offer different types of braces in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS. We can help you choose the best kind for your teeth or your child’s teeth.

 Is Invisalign the Right Orthodontic Treatment Option for Your Teeth?

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Have you been exploring ways to correct crooked teeth? You might have come across Invisalign as an option. At Bulleigh Orthodontics, our orthodontists in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS, provide this treatment if you’re deemed a good candidate. Let’s go over how to know if Invisalign is the most suitable solution for your teeth.

How Severe Is Your Orthodontic Problem?

Do you have a mild or moderate bite issue or crooked teeth? Invisalign can treat these kinds of problems. If you have a more severe issue, though, we may need to discuss other treatment approaches with you, such as braces.

Are You Willing to Wear Aligners Most of the Day?

You’ll need to keep your aligners on your teeth for a minimum of 20 hours a day during treatment. That’s a big commitment, but keep in mind that you can remove them for short periods of time, such as when you’re going to eat or brush your teeth.

How Quickly Do You Want Straighter Teeth?

You can’t rush this type of treatment in general, but Invisalign typically takes a shorter amount of time than braces. It can take a couple of years for braces to straighten teeth, while aligners may work within several months.

Do You Want Fewer Appointments?

Invisalign is a great option when you want to keep the number of orthodontic visits down. You’ll need to see us every so often to get new aligners, but this treatment involves fewer visits overall.

Schedule an Appointment to See if Invisalign Is Right for You!

Wondering if you should go with this treatment for your teeth? Our orthodontists at Bulleigh Orthodontics can help you decide. We offer Invisalign in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS, for patients who are suitable candidates for this orthodontic solution.

The Importance of Retainers in Orthodontic Treatment

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The day you get off your braces in Overland Park, KS will be a momentous occasion. Many people look forward to the day they finally get to see the results of their orthodontic treatment and rightly so. It’s nothing short of transformative. But there’s a little bit of a misconception, because actually, the treatment doesn’t end when the braces come off. That much change in the alignment of your teeth doesn’t happen by accident, and the change might not be permanent without the help of retainers. You see, teeth take time to adjust to their new alignment, and retainers keep them in place until everything can be made permanent.

Why Teeth Shift After Treatment

Teeth are held in place by ligaments, which take time to stabilize after orthodontic treatment. Once braces or aligners are removed, these ligaments can slowly pull teeth back toward their previous alignment, especially in the first few months. Retainers help keep teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and tissues adjust, ensuring lasting results.

How Long Should You Wear a Retainer?

Initially, retainers should be worn full-time, but over time, many patients can transition to nighttime wear. However, retainers should never be completely abandoned—teeth can shift at any age. Lifelong retainer use, even if only a few nights a week, helps preserve the alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment.

Retainers are the key to keeping your straightened teeth in place for years to come. By following your orthodontist’s recommendations and wearing your retainer consistently, you can ensure that your beautiful smile remains intact and that all the effort put into treatment doesn’t go to waste. Contact your orthodontist in Overland Park, KS today to learn more!