Traditional braces have come a long way over the years, becoming sleeker, smaller, and more comfortable. And that’s certainly something to smile about!
Traditional braces consist of standard metal brackets that are adhered to your teeth with an adhesive and connected by wire. They require periodic tightening so pressure can gradually straighten your teeth and align your jaw as needed. While metal braces brackets are still the most common, other treatment options are available today. Keep scrolling to read more!
Is a modeling or public speaking career in the works? Ceramic braces provide the “clear” option to metal braces. Small, aesthetic, and comfortable, they will provide all the benefits of braces but are very hard to notice. Do not be surprised if your family and friends cannot tell you have them on. Speak to us about what we can offer.
Are you or a loved one unable to get a good night’s sleep because of a sleep breathing disorder such as snoring or sleep apnea? Snoring is commonly a precursor to, or a concurrent problem with, obstructive sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea simply stop breathing while asleep. Episodes of gasping for air or choking, followed by silence, can last for 10 seconds or longer and can occur multiple times during the night. Health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, arrhythmias, ADHD, stroke, and an enlarged heart can be caused or made worse by sleep apnea.
The good news is snoring and sleep apnea can often be treated non-surgically. Dr. Kortam at Ashburn Orthodontics offers a sleep apnea oral appliance for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. An appliance similar to a simple mouthguard worn while sleeping can maintain a clear airway throughout the night and immediately stops snoring for most wearers! You CAN get a good night’s sleep!
When you eat while undergoing orthodontic treatment, there are a few things you have to consider. For most situations, common sense will tell you what foods to avoid. Hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar must be avoided. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires. Minimize sugary foods; they cause tooth decay and related problems. Nail biting, pencil and pen chewing and chewing on foreign objects should be avoided.
Gum (sugar-free or regular)
Licorice
Sugar Daddies
Toffee
Tootsie Rolls
Caramels
Starburst
Ice
Nuts
Hard taco shells
Hard bread / Crust
Corn on the cob
Apples
Starburst
Bagels
Jolly Ranchers
Pizza crust
Hard raw vegetables
Sunflower Seeds
Popcorn
Granola Bars
Cake
Ice Cream
Cookies
Pie
Candy
Soda (regular and diet)
Sweetened tea
Gatorade/Powerade
Kool-Aid
Drinks with sugar
Although there are very few true orthodontic emergencies, during the course of treatment you may discover that you have loose or broken brackets or that the orthodontic wires may shift and begin irritating your lips or cheeks. Below is a list of common problems and how they may be remedied at home.
Call the Ashburn office to schedule an appointment to repair the bracket. If the bracket is attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover it with wax as needed for comfort. If the bracket comes out completely, bring it with you to your next appointment. Avoid connecting elastics or a headgear appliance to any loose brackets.
If a broken wire can be removed easily, remove the broken piece. If a wire slips out of its tube, replace the wire in the tube or under the tube hook with tweezers. If the wire still pokes, try to slide it over with your finger or put wax on it until we can see you in the office.
Soreness will occur off and on during orthodontic treatment. Tylenol or Ibuprofen will help. Also, try to stick to softer foods during this time.
Use ice immediately to reduce swelling. If the teeth are displaced and don’t fit together properly, arch wires are bent, or soft tissue is stuck in the braces, schedule an appointment immediately in our Ashburn office, with your general dentist or oral surgeon.
Loosening is common, as teeth must loosen before they can move. They will tighten following appliance removal.
Call our Ashburn office for an appointment to make you more comfortable. Use wax to cover the sharp edge, temporarily.
If the separator falls out more than 1 day before your appointment please call us to have it replaced.
Brackets may irritate soft tissues initially until the tissue toughens (as hands callous). Soft wax will ease the discomfort as does a warm salt water rinse.
If you have a problem that you cannot resolve on your own, please call our Ashburn Orthodontics office at the number above. Our orthodontic team will be able to give you advice on how to solve the problem yourself or schedule you the appropriate appointment so that the problem can be fixed.
Successful orthodontics is a team effort and YOU are our key player! By participating in our Class Dojo Rewards Program we will be able to recognize your accomplishments and congratulate your winning achievements. It is an incentive program based on your compliance. Every visit is an opportunity for you to earn points!
| 10 points | Starting Treatment |
| 5 points | Like Us on Facebook |
| 5 points | Follow Us on Instagram |
| 5 points | Follow Us on Twitter |
| 1 point | Good Hygiene |
| 1 point | Compliance With Treatment |
| -1 point | Non-Compliance |
| 5 points | Check-in on Facebook |
| 5 points | Contest Participation |
| 1 point | A's on Report Cards |
| 5 points | Dental Cleanings/Check-ups |
| 5 points | Refer a Friend |
| 5 points | Wearing Ashburn Orthodontics T-shirt to Appointment |
| 5 points | Growth and Development Check-up |
| Target |
| Sweet Frog |
| Starbucks |
| Cold Stone Creamery |
| 25 points | $5 Gift Card |
| 50 points | $10 Gift Card |
| 100 points | $25 Gift Card |
| 200 points | $50 Gift Card |
