Tag: lyons orthodontics

Dentist vs. Orthodontist

Difference Between Dentist and an Orthodontist

You probably know that you need to visit your dentist at least twice a year for optimal oral health. But when it comes time to consider getting braces, you may find yourself being referred to an orthodontist. Certainly, some dentists offer orthodontic solutions like Invisalign, but there are some key differences between your dentist and your orthodontist.

The truth is that not only do dentists and orthodontists offer different types of treatment solutions, but they also hold different qualifications.

Understanding Orthodontia

Dentistry specializes in working with the jaw, gum, nerves and the teeth. Orthodontia is a branch of dentistry that offers a focus on the face, teeth, and jaws. The goal of orthodontia is to ensure the best in function and aesthetics from the face, teeth, and jaws. This is most often achieved with fixed braces, aligner tray systems and other types of orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontists have the same qualifications as a dentist. They have undergone the same type of education and training as the dentists have. On top of this, the orthodontist-in-training will go through an additional three-year postgraduate course. Prior to starting orthodontic training, the dentist will need to undergo hands-on experience with restorative dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and maxillofacial surgery. This training will be earned most often in hospitals and dental clinics that are affiliated with dental schools.

The orthodontist who treats your misalignment issues is a fully trained and experienced dentist, who has undergone additional training and hands-on experience in order to best know how to treat concerns with your face, teeth, and jaws.

Do Dentists Offer Orthodontic Treatments?

Some general dentists may offer their patients orthodontic treatments. However, it is worth considering that your dentist will not likely have the same type of experience and training as an orthodontist will have.

If you need braces for teens and other youngsters, it’s best to seek out the best orthodontist in El Dorado Hills. This is because an orthodontist will be well familiar with the physical changes that patients will be undergoing. They will also understand how it can impact the orthodontic treatment.

Some types of orthodontic treatment most often offered by dentists include Invisalign aligners. These systems use a series of aligner trays that will gradually adjust misaligned teeth into the desired position. There is very little hands-on treatment needed with these types of systems. Dr. Christopher Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, says that many patients who undergo Invisalign aligners are very happy with their results.

Visit Lyons Orthodontics

Both the dentist and the orthodontist will help patients to see an improvement in their oral health. Just know that they can help through differing approaches. Whether you need a full set of braces or Invisalign, you’ll find benefit in calling Lyon’s Orthodontics. If you are in need of an orthodontist, El Dorado Hills patients will find that Lyon’s Orthodontics offers treatment plans and solutions that will meet your needs. Visit Lyons Orthodontics for a free no-obligation smile consultation!

Lost Your Retainer?

Oh No, Did You Lose Your Retainer?!

We’ve seen it happen a million times…losing your retainer can be the worst! You know just how important it is to wear your retainer. It can happen in an instant. Whether you’ve left it at school or perhaps on a plane, you may start to panic if you can’t find your retainer. Without your retainer, your teeth will gradually move back into their original position. Don’t worry, though, the Lyons Orthodontics team is here to help.

Whether you’re an adult or you’ve finished up with braces, we’ve got a few tips to help get you back into your retainer and keeping your teeth in their straightened position.

First: Stay Calm and Call Your Orthodontist

If you can’t find your retainer, call your orthodontist in El Dorado Hills. Your teeth won’t shift back into the pre-treatment position right away or even after a week or so. However, it’s important to call Lyons Orthodontics as soon as possible. You will need new impressions taken so that your new retainer can be made. Don’t procrastinate! We don’t want to undo all the progress we made!

Getting Your New Retainers Ordered

You may need to pay out of pocket for your replacement retainers, but it will be well worth the investment. Whether you’ve had braces on top teeth or on both your top and bottom teeth, failing to replace your retainer could very well undo all of your time and money invested in your braces.

It can take a few weeks to get your retainer ordered and in your hands, so the sooner you get in to see your Folsom orthodontist, the sooner you’ll get your teeth back on track.

Wearing Your Retainer and Keeping it Secure

If your teeth have begun to shift already, don’t worry about it too much. Your new retainer will help to shift them back in line. Be sure that you keep your retainers stored safely when they are not being worn. Some may find that it’s beneficial to go ahead and order two replacements so that you aren’t ever again without your retainer.

Dr. Brain Leeson, a family dentist in St. Pete Fl, adds that patients should not worry too much about having lost their retainer. We understand that it can be very frustrating, but we will do our best to get your replacement retainer back to you ASAP. If you use Invisalign El Dorado Hills, patients may find that there is a different course of action for a lost aligner tray. As your Invisalign system comes with several aligner trays, you may need to adjust the way that your treatment is approached.

If you’ve lost your retainer, don’t delay calling Lyons Orthodontics. The sooner you call, the sooner we’ll be able to get your teeth back on the straightened track!

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Taking Care of Your Braces

How to Take Care of Your Braces

Not in love with your smile? Braces can help to correctly align your teeth and your bite, giving you a beautiful and confident smile. Once you have braces, whether they are just braces on top teeth or on both the top and bottom, you are sure to find that they are a big adjustment to your overall life. Traditional braces have countless tiny areas that can trap food, which can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar.

With this in mind, it’s very important that you increase your dental hygiene during the entire process. Brush and floss after each meal and make sure that you’re using a good mouthwash. Proper oral hygiene will also help to keep your braces in good condition.

There are several other things that you can do in order to keep your braces in good shape.

Stay On Top of Your Appointment with Your Orthodontist

Once you’ve had your braces placed, you’ll need to continue seeing your orthodontist in El Dorado Hills. We understand that you’ll want to get your braces off as soon as possible. Visiting your orthodontist as instructed will ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Use a Fork and a Knife When Eating

Taking bites of food without first cutting them up into small pieces can lead to the food becoming stuck in your braces. Certain hard foods can even lead to damage to the wires and brackets of your braces. Crunchy fruits and vegetables, like apples and carrots, should always be cut into bite-sized pieces. Even burgers and pizza should be cut up into small pieces so that you can avoid the potential for damage to your braces.

Enjoy Sweets Selectively

If you’re anything like us, you have a sweet tooth or two. Our Lyons Orthodontics team encourages you to opt for sweet treats that won’t damage your braces. Chocolate is a great choice. It is soft and tends to melt quickly once you get it into your mouth. Who doesn’t love chocolate anyways?

Be Mindful When You’ve Got Braces

Dr. Ben Kacos, an emergency dentist in Shreveport, LA, adds that when it comes to braces for teens and adults alike, simply being mindful of what you’re doing can go a long way towards keeping your braces in good shape. Those habits we all have, including biting fingernails or chewing on pencils, can cause a fair amount of damage to the brackets and wires of the braces.

Not all braces require careful eating and drinking. When it comes to orthodontic solutions like Invisalign, El Dorado Hills patients love knowing that they can simply remove their aligner tray when it’s time to eat, drink and brush their teeth.

Taking care of your braces and Invisalign aligners is essential for optimal results. If you’re ready to start your Just Smile journey, contact our Lyons Orthodontics offices in El Dorado Hills or Fair Oaks. Our Lyons team will happily give you a free smile consultation on us!

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Causes of Misaligned Teeth

What Causes Misaligned Teeth?

Do you or a member of your family have misaligned teeth? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that millions of people across the world have crooked teeth. Men and women of all ages have perfectly imperfect smiles. Some severe enough to require surgical intervention. You’re probably wondering what causes misaligned teeth? In this article, we explore some of the causes of misaligned teeth. If you or a loved one isn’t in love with their smile, contact Lyons Orthodontics. Crooked teeth can easily be fixed with orthodontic solutions like braces and Invisalign.

Genetics Can Cause Misaligned Teeth

There are several factors that can impact the alignment of your teeth, and they can change throughout your life. Genetics can play a strong role in the teeth that you have. This includes whether or not they are straight when they start to erupt. If someone else in your family has misaligned teeth, it is very likely that you will develop a similar smile. A jaw that is on the smaller side can increase your risk for crowded teeth. Patients with a crowded smile may need to have a tooth extracted to make room for the rest of their teeth. Overcrowding is very common nowadays.

Thumb Sucking Can Cause Misaligned teeth

Thumb sucking as a toddler and older child can put a fair amount of pressure on your teeth, which can ultimately lead to them moving out of alignment. Most often, thumb sucking will lead to issues with an open bite that needs to be corrected with an orthodontic solution. Invisalign Fair Oaks parents will appreciate can often prove to be a good solution for older teens who have very mild issues with their bite.

Do You Have Any Missing Teeth?

Missing teeth can be responsible for your other healthy teeth shifting around in your mouth. The early loss of your baby teeth and your adult teeth alike can have an impact on the position of your other healthy teeth. The very same movability that makes braces for teens and adults possible can lead to misalignment issues in the first place. Teeth are easily moveable within the mouth and are prone to moving into any available gaps near them.

Dr. Brian Leeson, a dentist in St. Pete Fl, says that the early loss of both adult and baby teeth can affect the position of your remaining teeth, causing them to drift into available gaps. Sometimes baby teeth can be replaced by larger adult teeth that overlap and crowd together due to limited space.

Gum Disease Can Cause Misaligned Teeth

Gum disease can also be responsible for alignment issues with your teeth. As the gums become more inflamed and infected, teeth can loosen in the socket, and their alignment can become gradually altered.

If you are looking for solutions for your misaligned teeth, be sure to call one of our Lyon’s Orthodontics offices in El Dorado Hills or Fair Oaks. We offer a range of orthodontic solutions that will improve your smile! We offer traditional braces, lingual braces, retainers, Invisalign, and more! Our Lyons Orthodontics team wants to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted! Visit Dr. Tim Lyons for a free no-obligation consultation!

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The Difference Between an Orthodontist and Dentist

The Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist

You’re probably wondering if there’s a difference between an orthodontist and dentist? The short answer is, yes, there is a difference! A dentist and an orthodontist provide different dental treatments. They also have different qualifications as well. While you might already know what a dentist is, you may not know what an orthodontist is. In this article, our Lyons Orthodontics team explains the difference between an orthodontist and dentist.

What is an Orthodontist?

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that is based on the development of the jaw, face, and teeth to reach its full potential and fulfill its purpose. The use of clear or removable aligners and fixed braces are common to help your face reach its aesthetics.

An orthodontist is a highly qualified specialist who has fist taken training to become a dentist and then has undertaken an additional three-year postgraduate course at Masters or Doctorate level. Orthodontic training posts are usually looked for both before and after a dentist starts his/her training to become an orthodontist as the job requires experience in pediatric dentistry, maxillofacial surgery, and restorative dentistry.

In most cases, specialist training takes place in hospitals associated with university dental schools. Trainees learn the theory of orthodontics and also gain all the experience they need by treating patients under the supervision of more experienced orthodontists.

In general, dentists can provide you with orthodontic treatment, and some dentists perform with a very high standard. Some of the orthodontic treatment includes Invisalign or traditional braces. In majority cases, they would not have the same level of experience and training as compared to a specialist orthodontist.

After having completed training, the orthodontist will stick to orthodontic treatments. They quickly develop the skills and gain the experience by treating different types of cases from highly complex cases to even mild cases. Some of these dental problems may include overbites, underbites, crowded teeth, crossbite, and more.

Should I visit a Dentist or an Orthodontist?

It’s recommended that you visit an orthodontist if you need orthodontic treatment. That way, you can achieve your smile goals and avoid any problems that may occur. Dr. Leeson, a cosmetic dentist in St. Petersburg, FL, adds that orthodontic treatment should always be done by a professional. Otherwise, you may pay the consequences.

If you’re interested in improving your smile, we highly recommend visiting Lyons Orthodontics in El Dorado Hills for a no-obligation, free consultation. Dr. Tim Lyons and his team will take good care of your smile!

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Braces Tips

braces tips The end results of wearing braces are well worth the wait and minor discomfort! Most patients say they experience some minor discomfort after they’ve had their braces adjusted or new Invisalign aligners put in. Braces also require a few lifestyle adjustments in order to ensure that you not only get the best results but that you don’t risk damage to them or to the soft parts of your mouth.

Our Lyons Orthodontics team has gathered some handy tips for those who are undergoing their Just Smile orthodontic treatment. We truly care about making your smile transformation the best it can possibly be. Keep in mind that if something happens, including injury to your mouth or damage to the braces, it’s important that you call our orthodontics office for professional help.

Keep a Braces-care Kit on You

You’ll find it beneficial to keep a care kit on hand. This kit should contain everything you will need to keep your teeth and braces clean when you’re on the go. Students can carry their kit with them at school, and adults will find it useful to have on hand in the office. A small container or zippered pouch should be sufficient to hold your toothbrush, toothpaste, and orthodontic wax.

The Importance of Orthodontic Wax

Orthodontic wax can prove to be very beneficial for more than just protecting the insides of your mouth from the metal of the braces. Whether you have braces on top teeth or on both bottom and top teeth, you may have a wire, band or bracket that comes loose. This can cause irritation or pain. If this is the case, cover the irritating part with the orthodontic wax and make a call to be seen by your local orthodontist.

Rinsing with Salt Water, When Feeling Discomfort

It’s not unusual to feel discomfort when you have braces, particularly after first getting them placed and after adjustments. A rinse with warm salt water can help ease your mouth discomfort. Your orthodontist may also recommend using over-the-counter pain relievers to ease some of the discomfort you may be feeling.

Wearing Your Aligners as Instructed

If you have Invisalign El Dorado Hills patients will need to follow the instructions given when it comes to wearing the aligner trays. Each of the Invisalign aligner trays are designed to be worn almost continually for two weeks at a time. They can be removed for eating, drinking and cleaning your teeth, but you will need to ensure they are worn as instructed if you are to get the best in results from the treatment.

Keep Up with Your Orthodontic Appointments

When it comes to seeing your El Dorado Hills orthodontist, patients shouldn’t skip appointments. Whether it’s an appointment for adjusting your traditional braces, or an appointment to check on your progress, it’s important that you stick to the schedule.

Keep in mind that your appointments are also an opportunity for your orthodontist to identify any minor issues that you may need to resolve during the course of treatment.

Are you interested in transforming your smile? Do you need to schedule a follow-up appointment with Dr. Lyons? When in need of an orthodontist El Dorado Hills patients know that they can rely on Lyons Orthodontics to help them get the beautiful and confident smile they’ve always wanted.

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Chewing Gum with Braces

chewing gums with braces - Lyons Orthodontics

chewing gum with braces Once you start your orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will usually tell you to avoid certain foods until the treatment is completed. If you have traditional braces, you’ll have to avoid foods like popcorn, caramels, toffees, and whole apples. Traditionally, orthodontists have said that patients should stay away from chewing gum when they have braces. However, there are some that say that chewing gum with braces is okay. So, who is right? Is it possible to enjoy gum when you have braces?

Why You Should Not Chew Gum with Braces

Gum is sticky, that’s about the gist of it. It’s this same stickiness that can see it being stuck to the wires and the brackets of your traditional braces. Gum stuck to your brackets can prove to be difficult to remove and may require an unplanned visit to your orthodontist in El Dorado Hills. Beyond the sticky factor, the gum could result in the bending of the wires. Even the smallest bends in the wires can result in your teeth moving the wrong way. Our Lyons Orthodontics team wants you to have the best orthodontic experience possible, so our professionals highly recommend avoiding gum if you have traditional braces. Otherwise, it can potentially add weeks to the duration of your treatment if your teeth move further from alignment.

Why Do Some Believe it’s Okay to Chew Gum with Braces?

We’ve all heard it, from friends or family members or from something posted on social media. “I’ve chewed gum with my braces and I was just fine.” Typically, they will be referring to having sugar-free gum. Sugar-free chewing gum is quite often free from the stickiness seen with the sugary varieties. This can help avoid bending of the wires and keep it from getting stuck in the brackets

There are also some benefits of sugar-free gum, including its ability to help you avoid cavities. This is because artificial sweeteners help reduce the bacteria that lead to cavities. In addition, the chewing of gum can help remove small food particles that are between your teeth if you’re not able to brush or floss after enjoying a meal.

Some also believe that chewing sugar-free gum after getting your braces placed or after adjustments can help to ease some of the discomforts you’re feeling. This can be particularly true when it comes to braces for teens who may feel a fair amount of discomfort after getting their braces.

So, What’s the Verdict About Gum and Braces?

Like we’ve stated above, gum and traditional braces just don’t mix! If you have additional questions about what you can or cannot have with braces, contact Lyons Orthodontics in El Dorado Hills! Once or twice won’t necessarily interfere with your treatment, but there is always the risk of damage to your braces. Dr. Kacos, one of the best dentists in Shreveport, LA, adds that braces are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry options today, but they’re not for everyone. Invisalign is another great cosmetic dentistry option. Invisalign El Dorado Hills orthodontic patients will learn is a bit different. These aligner trays are removable, so you can enjoy a piece of gum once in a while. As it’s recommended that you keep the aligner trays in place as much as possible, you shouldn’t remove them too often to enjoy gum.

Alternatives to Chewing Gum with Braces

There are a number of other options that will give you the same benefits seen with chewing sugar-free gum. If you’ve been told that gum can help relieve discomfort, opt for over-the-counter pain relievers. They will help relieve both inflammation and discomfort. An ice pack can further help reduce any inflammation.

Staying hydrated will also help reduce the signs of inflammation and will also help wash away the bacteria that may otherwise result in cavities. Avoid chewing on ice, as this can damage both your teeth and your braces.

If you’ve been relying on gum to help keep your breath fresh, there are a number of alternatives. Coldwater with lemon or orange can help keep you hydrated while also freshening your breath. Sugar-free mints that don’t need to be chewed or are not overly sticky.

If you do wind up with gum stuck on your braces, don’t panic. Simply call up Lyons Orthodontics and we will schedule you in for an appointment. In the meantime, use your toothbrush to clean off as much of the gum as is possible. Use dental floss to loosen and remove any gum that might be stuck between your teeth.

Protecting your braces from the potential damage that gum and other sticky foods can do will help ensure you get the best results from your treatment. If you have any questions about your braces and what needs to be avoided, be sure to call the office to speak to an orthodontic professional.

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How Long Should I wear My Retainer?

how long should I wear my retainer - Lyons Orthodontics You’ve finally got your braces off! Congratulations! We’re so happy for you and so grateful to have been part of your Just Smile journey. You’re sure to enjoy your new straightened smile, and of course, enjoy some of those foods that you had to avoid. Now that you’re finally free of braces, you’ll need to take good care of your teeth. An important part of your oral care regimen will be wearing your retainer! So, you’re probably wondering how long should I wear my retainer?

Why Wear a Retainer?

This is a question that doesn’t always have one general answer. We know that each patient is special and comes with their own unique challenges. Our teeth are constantly moving and constantly able to be moved and manipulated inside of our mouths. So, this is why it is also why teeth will continue to need support after braces have been removed. Retainers will help keep your teeth in their new positions and help to maintain all of the hard work that was accomplished during your orthodontic treatment.

Types of Retainers

Generally speaking, there are two types of retainers you can get at Lyons Orthodontics – removable retainers and bonded retainers. Removable retainers can be removed for when you need to eat and when they need to be cleaned. Bonded retainers are bonded to your teeth and are not able to be removed. After you’ve had your braces removed, your retainer can provide further support and stabilization for your teeth and bones, to ensure that your bite and newly aligned teeth don’t change once the braces are off. Dr. Brian Leeson, a cosmetic dentist in St. Petersburg, FL, recommends getting a permanent retainer on the lower teeth to ensure that your smile stays straight.

How Long Should I Wear My Retainer?

Maintaining your new beautiful smile is easy with the help of retainers! The majority of orthodontists will recommend that removable retainers are worn for a minimum of 12 months once the braces come off. Dr. Tim Lyons says urgers the importance of wearing your retainer. Especially after having invested a lot of time and money in your braces.

Sometimes, patients, whether they’ve just had braces on top teeth or have had top braces and lower braces, will need to wear their retainer full time for the first six months after treatment. At the 6-month point, they can switch to wearing the retainer just at night to help maintain that beautiful and straight smile.

We understand that wearing a retainer after you’ve had your braces on for so long can be frustrating. The precise duration of wear will be mostly dependent on the type of orthodontic correction and treatment that you have undergone. In the end, wearing your retainer is worth it because you get to keep your beautiful smile in place.

Do you have questions about braces or retainers? Let our Lyons Orthodontics team know. We are here to help you and your family in any way we can. Please contact us at our Fair Oaks or El Dorado Hills office.

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What To Expect When You Get Braces

What to expect when getting braces - Lyons Orthodontics It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed when you’re thinking about getting braces for your teens or yourself. You may have many questions, some concerns, and you may even be worried about whether they are going to hurt or not. There are some things you’ll need to consider before you start your orthodontic treatment with Lyons Orthodontics.

The Initial Process Before Getting Your Braces

The process for braces varies from patient to patient. It also depends on what type of braces you’re looking for. At Lyons Orthodontics, we offer traditional metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners. During your FREE no-obligation consultation, a Lyons Orthodontics orthodontist or team member will have taken 3D x-rays and other images to formulate your treatment plan. Dr. Tim Lyons will go over each step of your treatment plan and answer all your questions and concerns.

Starting Your Orthodontic Treatment

For traditional metal braces, the first step typically is to place bands around your back molars. There may be some pressure at first, but you will not feel any pain. The next step will be to apply an adhesive to your teeth so that the braces brackets can be set in place. Each of the brackets is connected with wires and then secured with elastic bands.

According to our friends at Dental One Care, a dental office in Sterling Heights, MI patients won’t feel any pain during placement. The entire process can take between one and two hours. The entire Lyons Orthodontics team is committed to making your Just Smile journey fun and exciting. We want you to achieve the best results possible!

Discomfort After Placement

You may start to feel a bit of soreness in your teeth and gums after the braces have been placed. The feeling should not be unbearable, but your orthodontist will give you a list of things that you can do to soothe your mouth.

The discomfort should typically last for about a week, during which time you’ll be adjusting to the feel of having braces in your mouth. Once the discomfort passes, you should feel just a little pressure. There’s nothing to worry about! The wires and the rubber bands place pressure upon your teeth to gradually move them. Some of the other discomforts you may feel during the first week or so include:

Soreness and pressure in teeth and gums
Soreness or small sores on the inside of lips and cheeks
Inflammation in the gums
Soreness or small cuts on your tongue, typically from running your tongue across braces

This type of discomfort can most often be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Your Folsom orthodontist will be able to offer further advice if they aren’t helping to take the edge off of your pain. Your comfort and happiness are always our top priority. Just remember that a little discomfort means that the treatment is working! Your teeth are transforming into the beautiful and confident smile you’ve always wanted.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

There are certain foods that should be avoided when you have braces. During those first few days and weeks after placement, some specific things can help to bring a bit of soothing comfort to your mouth. These comforting and braces safe foods include the following:

Soup
Mashed potatoes
Macaroni and cheese, or other pasta dishes
Yogurt and frozen yogurts
Cool drinks
Smoothies
Oatmeal
Soft fruits that include berries and bananas

Foods to Enjoy with Braces

Some of the food items that you should exclude from your diet going forward include the following.

Popcorn
Pretzels
Hard or chewy candies
Gum
Fudge, caramels, and toffees

Steering clear from these will help to protect your braces from any damage. Remember we want you to have the best smile experience! Don’t delay the process by breaking your brackets.

The majority of orthodontic patients get used to their braces within a few weeks. There may be some further discomfort periodically when you get your braces adjusted or tightened.

Are you ready to have a beautiful and confident smile? Whether you’re looking for traditional braces or Invisalign in El Dorado Hills, you can find the best treatment and solutions offered at Lyons Orthodontics. Contact us today to start your Just Smile journey!

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How to Keep Your Teeth White With Braces

how to keep your teeth white with braces - lyons orthodontics At Lyons Orthodontics, we understand that it can be very challenging to keep your teeth clean and sparkling if you wear braces. You shouldn’t have to hide your beautiful smile even if you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. Our team wants you to know that anyone with braces can benefit from teeth whitening products and techniques. Here are some of the teeth whitening products that Lyons Orthodontics in El Dorado Hills recommends to patients with braces.

Chairside Teeth Whitening

This procedure is also known as in-office teeth whitening. It requires one or two visits to your dentist in El Dorado Hills.

Dr. Tim Lyons, an orthodontist in El Dorado Hills, explains that the process involves applying a strong bleaching agent to your teeth. This application could be followed by shining a special light on the bleaching compound so that its effects are brought on faster.

Because the bleaching agent used during chairside teeth whitening is very strong, you are likely to leave the office with a brighter smile. However, this method can make your teeth have two color tones. The professionals at Lyons Orthodontics suggest that you undergo this procedure once your orthodontic treatment is completed, and all surfaces of your teeth can be reached by the bleaching agent. For people with brackets on the back surfaces of their teeth, there is no problem undergoing in-office teeth whitening at any time during your orthodontic treatment.

At-Home Teeth Whitening Trays

Dr. Tim Lyons, an orthodontist in El Dorado Hills, explains that at-home teeth whitening trays also come in a gel that is similar to what is used during in-office teeth whitening procedures. The only difference is that the concentration of the at-home teeth whitening gel is less than that of the chairside teeth whitening compound.

If you wear braces, the custom tray you will use as you whiten your teeth will be made once the braces are in place. This will ensure that there is ample room for the bleaching gel and the brackets of your braces in the tray that is made for you.

However, a small proportion of patients say that their teeth become more sensitive as they undergo their orthodontic treatment after using these trays to keep their teeth white. So, make sure you consult with your Folsom orthodontist about your desire to whiten your teeth. Our Lyons Orthodontics team will recommend the most appropriate product to use to avert these mild side effects.

Teeth Whitening Toothpastes

Another alternative that you can consider if you wear braces and would like to whiten your teeth at home is the whitening toothpaste. Toothpastes have mild abrasives that are effective in getting rid of stains on the surfaces of your teeth.

We asked our friend, Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, about how to keep your teeth white with braces. Dr. Farhat says it is important for you to note that whitening toothpastes will not work as well as whitening strips or in-office dental whitening. Dr. Tim Lyons, a Folsom orthodontist, wants you to know that your smile will be brighter once the whitening toothpaste removes the surface stains that were making your teeth look discolored.

The trick in reaping maximum benefits from these whitening toothpastes lies in your ability to reach behind the wires and brush there as well. Orthodontists in El Dorado Hills recommend that you use an interdental toothbrush to access the hard-to-clean areas covered by the brackets of your braces. In this way, you will not get an unpleasant surprise when the braces are finally removed by Dr. Tim Lyons and his team at Lyons Orthodontics only to reveal badly stained or even decayed sections on your teeth where the brackets sat.

As you can see, you have many options to select from if you wear braces and you would like to whiten your teeth. However, it is better for your overall dental health (and pocket) if you emphasize a preventive approach by brushing and flossing as recommended by your orthodontist in El Dorado hills. If, for some reason, your teeth are still stained, then you can visit Lyons Orthodontics, and our experts will advise you on the best way to whiten your teeth without putting your braces at risk.

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