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orthodontic appliance | Wayne Family Orthodontics

The Best Ways to Care for Your Retainer

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Your retainer is made of sturdy and reliable materials. However, that doesn’t mean it can withstand anything. In fact, it’s very important to take good care of your retainer each and every day so it can do its job of keeping your smile straight and healthy. To help you keep your retainer in tip-top shape, Dr. Muhammad Abey and our orthodontic team have some recommendations for you.

Step No. 1: Store your retainer properly – If you keep your retainer in a safe and secure place, there is a small chance you’ll lose or damage it. So, to help you properly store your appliance, we recommend placing it in its case right after you take it out of your mouth. After doing this, put the case in a safe place, like your backpack, purse, pocket, or bathroom drawer. No matter what, do not keep the retainer in a hot environment. The hot temperature can warp and reshape it.

Step No. 2: Clean your appliance regularly – Make it a habit to clean your retainer each time you brush your teeth. To properly clean it, you can soak it in denture cleaner. All you need to do is put the cleanser pod into a warm cup of water, put the retainer in the cup, and let it soak for the time that is recommended on the cleaner label. When the time has passed, rinse the retainer with water before putting it back over your teeth.

If you follow these steps, there is a high chance you’ll maintain a strong retainer as well as a straight and top-notch smile. To learn more about how to take good care of a retainer in Wayne, New Jersey, please feel free to call Wayne Family Orthodontics at 973-341-3180 at your earliest convenience. Our orthodontic team will be happy to help you in any way we can!

What to Do If Your Braces Are Hurting Your Smile

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If you are having trouble with your braces because they’re hurting your lips, cheeks, and gums, take heart. Orthodontic wax is here to help make your braces-wearing more comfortable. Orthodontic wax can cover the troublesome spots of your appliance and give you the relief you’re looking for. To help you properly place the wax, your orthodontist, Dr. Muhammad Abey, encourages you to follow these instructions:

Wash your hands: Make sure to wash your hands before you place the wax. You don’t want to introduce any bacteria to your mouth, especially if you have a cut or sore.

Brush your teeth: Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This will help clean the area so you don’t trap any food particles or plaque under the wax and promote tooth decay and gum disease. This will also help keep the wax cleaner. If anything, remove the food that is stuck in the area where you plan to apply the wax.

Shape the wax: Take a small amount of wax—about the size of the area you’re going to cover—and roll it into a small ball. Roll the wax for at least five seconds. The warmth of your fingers will soften the wax and make it easier to place. Be careful not to use too much wax. Using too much can make the wax fall off.

Place the wax: Locate the sore areas of your mouth. Then, use your thumb and forefinger to press the ball of wax over the bracket or wire. Rub it back and forth a couple times to make it stick into place. The wax should stick out of your braces a little bit, forming a small lump.

Wearing braces doesn’t have to hurt if you know what to do. For more information and details about orthodontic wax in Wayne, New Jersey, please feel free to call Wayne Family Orthodontics at your earliest convenience. All you need to do is dial 973-341-3180 and our orthodontic team will be thrilled to help you!

The Steps to Expect During Your First Orthodontic Appointment

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The orthodontic world is intimidating to many people. If you are one of these people, our orthodontic team is happy to tell you what to expect during your first orthodontic appointment in Wayne, New Jersey, so the experience is less intimidating and more comfortable.

When you come into Wayne Family Orthodontics and meet with your orthodontist, Dr. Muhammad Abey, you can expect the following treatment steps:

Step 1: The goal of this first appointment is to see if treatment is needed. So, your orthodontist will thoroughly examine your mouth by taking a series of X-rays and photographs. Then, he will give you an accurate diagnosis and will explain any orthodontic issues you might have.

Step 2: If treatment is necessary, our team will make impressions of your teeth. These impressions will help your orthodontist create a treatment plan just for you. Then, we will review your insurance benefits and will explain your financing options.

Step 3: Lastly, our team will describe the appliance your orthodontist recommends in detail. You will also receive a treatment time estimate.

As you can see, there is nothing to be afraid of during your first orthodontic appointment. For more information and details, please feel free to call our office today at 973-341-3180. We look forward to hearing from you!

FAQs About Orthodontics

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If you want the best orthodontic treatment possible, then it’s best to know everything you can about braces in Wayne, New Jersey. However, we know braces and orthodontics can be confusing and overwhelming. So, to help you, our Wayne Family Orthodontics team has provided the answers to the following frequently asked questions:

Why is good oral hygiene with braces important?
Oral hygiene is vital if you want a successful treatment and pristine smile results. Oral hygiene is important because food particles and plaque tend to get stuck in your smile and appliance. When this happens, the food and plaque begin to develop tooth stains, tooth discoloration, tooth decay, and gum disease.

How should I clean my teeth and braces?
It’s best to clean your teeth and braces with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. We recommend brushing your teeth after each meal and snack and flossing your smile at least once a day. Doing these things will help you stay on track with your orthodontic treatment.

How do braces feel?
Unfortunately, there are times when your braces will make your teeth sore and tender. At these times, it’s best to stick to a soft-foods diet and take pain reliever when needed. Also, your braces might poke or bother you on occasion. When this happens, feel free to cover the trouble area with orthodontic wax.

How long do I have to wear braces?
Your treatment time will depend on how misaligned and uneven your smile and bite are. If you have severely misaligned teeth, you will need to wear your braces longer. Generally, patients wear braces for about 18 to 30 months.

What foods should I avoid eating?
For the best orthodontic experience possible, you will need to avoid eating sugary, sticky, chewy, and starchy foods. We also recommend that you avoid drinking soda.

If you would like to know more about orthodontics and braces, please remember that you can always call our office at 973-341-3180 and talk to a member of our orthodontic team. We also encourage you to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist, Dr. Muhammad Abey, if you are concerned about your smile or appliance. We are happy to help you!

Braces Glossary: Helping You Better Understand Orthodontics

By | Orthodontics | No Comments

Braces are great appliances that can successfully shift and transform your smile, but sometimes they can also be a bit confusing. The best way to clear up the confusion is by learning more about the appliance. So, to help you do so, we have provided the definitions to the following orthodontic terms:

Band – A band is a metal ring that is wrapped tightly around your back molars. It is meant to support your large teeth and to keep them in tip-top shape. We don’t want them to ever crack or break. A band can also assist with headgear and bite correctors.

Bracket – A bracket is a small, square piece of your appliance that is glued to the front surface of every tooth in your smile. The piece is made of metal and it holds the orthodontic wire in place. It also applies pressure to your teeth and shifts and moves them into the positions they need to be in.

Retainer – A retainer is a removable or permanent appliance that keeps your teeth in position after your braces have moved them. A permanent retainer is typically a metal wire that is glued to the back surfaces of your teeth. A removable retainer is a small appliance that can fit over your smile. You generally wear the appliance at night while you sleep. A retainer can also be used for minimal tooth movement.

Adjustment – An adjustment is an appointment that allows your orthodontist to tighten the wires on your appliance to continue shifting your teeth. Your teeth may be a bit sore for a few days after the adjustment, but that just means that your appliance is doing its job by moving your chompers into place.

Orthodontist – An orthodontist is a dentist that specializes in orthodontics. In order to specialize, the orthodontist needs to attend and receive 2-3 additional years of schooling and training. After they complete the program, they are certified orthodontists.

Now that you know more about braces and orthodontics, you are set! If you have any additional questions, please remember that you can always call Wayne Family Orthodontics at 973-341-3180 and talk to our team. You can also talk to Dr. Muhammad Abey at any of your appointments. We are happy to help you!