Brackets and Archwires: The braces system typically consists of brackets, which are like handles bonded to the surface of each tooth, and archwires, which connect the brackets. When the archwire is fastened into the brackets, it generates pressure which is in turn transferred to the teeth. This force will stimulate the cells in your jaw bone to remodel the tooth’s socket in order to move the tooth and relieve the pressure.

Elastics or Rubber Bands: In some cases, elastic bands may be used in conjunction with braces to help correct specific bite issues. These bands create additional force against the upper and lower jaws to help the two fit together. The pressure generated by elastics can even encourage your jaws to grow in a more favorable direction.

Adjustments and Tightening: Throughout your orthodontic treatment, you will have regular appointments with your orthodontist for adjustments. During these visits, the orthodontist may tighten or bend the archwire or replace it with a thicker one to increase or alter the pressure on your teeth to direct them into the desired alignment.

Retention Phase: After the active treatment phase is complete and your teeth are looking and feeling great, you will enter the retention phase. During this phase, you wear a retainer, which helps maintain the new alignment while the bone and tissues stabilize. Unlike the active adjustments during orthodontic treatment, the retainer will resist outside forces such as chewing and pressure from the tongue and lips that could move your teeth out of their alignment.

Because braces stimulate bone remodeling, it is very important to undergo treatment and monitoring by a qualified orthodontist who will assess your progress at regular intervals and make necessary adjustments to ensure effective and safe tooth movement.

Reach Out Today!

Our Bluebird Orthodontics team, led by our experienced orthodontist in Salt Lake City, Utah, are here to provide you and your family with the orthodontic treatment you need. Dr. Hailee Rask and our team invite you to call 385-500-7082 for assistance. Your smile will thank you!

The post How Do Braces Work? first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.

Luckily, orthodontics can help to correct facial asymmetry and improve the symmetry of your smile. But how does it work? Let’s take a closer look.

What Causes Facial Asymmetry?

Facial asymmetry can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Misaligned teeth or jaws
• Birth defects
• The early loss of baby teeth
• Habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
• Trauma to the face or jaw
• Infection or tumors in the mouth or jaw area

How Can Orthodontists Help Facial Asymmetry?

Orthodontics can help to correct facial asymmetry in a number of ways, depending on the underlying cause of the facial asymmetry.

Some common treatments for facial asymmetry include:

Braces or  Invisalign®

By aligning the teeth and jaws, braces can help to improve the symmetry of your smile. In some cases, headgear may also be used to correct severe cases of misalignment.

Palatal Expanders

Palatal expanders are devices that are used to gradually widen the upper jaw. This treatment is often used for patients who have narrow upper jaws, which can cause facial asymmetry.

Surgery

In some cases, orthognathic surgery may be necessary to correct severe cases of misaligned teeth and jaws. This type of surgery is usually reserved for patients who have not had success with other forms of treatment.

Types of Facial Asymmetry That Orthodontists Treat

Orthodontists can help with a wide variety of facial asymmetries. Here we will discuss four of the most common:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite

Orthodontic Treatment For Overbite

Orthodontists commonly treat patients with overbites, but the severity of the overbite will dictate the orthodontic treatment required to correct it. Many people have some degree of an overbite, which is when the upper teeth protrude further out than the lower teeth. In some cases, an overbite can be caused by genetics, but it can also be the result of thumb-sucking or other habits during childhood.

An overbite can impact both the appearance of your smile and your oral health. For instance, people with an overbite are more likely to experience gum problems and tooth wear. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment can help to correct an overbite and improve your oral health. If you’re concerned about your overbite, talk to our orthodontist here at Bluebird Orthodontics about treatment options.

If you have a mild overbite, braces or aligners can be used to gradually move your teeth into proper alignment. However, if you have a severe overbite, orthodontics may not be able to completely correct it. In severe cases, surgery may be required to realign the jaws.

Overall, orthodontics can be an effective treatment for an overbite, but the best way to treat your overbite will depend on the severity of your condition.

Orthodontic Treatment For Underbite

An underbite is a common orthodontic condition in which the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw. This can cause the teeth to overlap, making it difficult to bite and chew properly. Underbites can also lead to speech issues and damage to the teeth.

There are several different types of underbites, and they can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, injury, or misalignment of the jaws. Treatment for an underbite typically involves orthodontic braces or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.

There are a few different ways that orthodontics can be used to correct an underbite, and the best option will depend on the severity of the problem. In some cases, orthodontic treatment can be used to simply move the teeth into a better position.

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the alignment of the jaw. However, orthodontists commonly help patients to improve the appearance of an underbite and make it easier to eat and speak.

Orthodontic Treatment For Crossbite

If you have a crossbite, it means that your teeth don’t line up the way they’re supposed to. Your upper teeth should sit slightly in front of your lower teeth, but with a crossbite, your upper teeth sit behind your lower teeth. This can happen on just one side of your mouth or on both sides.

Crossbites can happen in the front or back of your mouth and can even involve your jaw. If you have a crossbite, you might not even realize it because it’s often something that develops slowly. However, there are some signs you can look for, such as difficulty chewing or biting down properly, mouth pain, jaw pain, teeth that are worn down or chipped, and gaps between your teeth.

Orthodontic treatment for a crossbite can help to improve the function and appearance of your teeth. Orthodontists can help to correct these issues. In some cases, braces may be used to gradually move the teeth into their proper position. In other cases, orthodontic appliances may be used to expand the upper jaw and align the teeth. Orthodontic treatment can take several months or even years to complete, but the results are well worth it. A healthy, beautiful smile is something that you will be able to enjoy for a lifetime.

Orthodontic Treatment for Open Bite

Orthodontists use braces, retainers, and other appliances to align teeth and jaws in order to improve someone’s bite and smile, including those with an open bite. While orthodontics can be used to treat a wide range of dental issues, one of the most common problems that orthodontists see is an open bite.

An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed. This can be caused by a number of different factors, including thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, or clenching/grinding the teeth.

In some cases, an open bite may also be due to genetics. Orthodontic treatment is usually very successful in correcting an open bite. Our orthodontist will create a custom treatment plan based on the individual’s needs. This may involve wearing braces or other appliances for several months to a couple of years. Our orthodontist will work closely with you so you can achieve a straighter, healthier smile.

Conclusion

If you’re concerned about facial asymmetry, don’t despair! Orthodontic treatment can go a long way in correcting the problem and giving you a more symmetrical smile. If you’re interested in learning more about how orthodontics can help you achieve facial harmony, schedule your free consultation with our board-certified orthodontist at Bluebird Orthodontics!

The post Can Orthodontics Fix Facial Asymmetry? first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.

Six Reasons Adults Start Orthodontic Treatment

Maybe you didn’t have them as a teenager, or maybe your teeth have shifted over time. Whatever the reason, adult braces can be a great way to improve your smile. And with advances in orthodontic technology, adult braces are now more comfortable and discreet than ever before. In this article, we explore six reasons why adults start orthodontic treatment.

They Never Had Them As Children

One of the most common reasons why adults opt for braces is simple: they weren’t able to get them as children. Maybe their family couldn’t afford it or maybe their teeth just weren’t ready at the time.

Now that they’re adults and have the means to pay for it themselves, they’re finally getting the chance to correct their smile. And that’s something to be excited about!

Orthodontic Relapse

One of the most common complaints orthodontists hear from adults is that their teeth have started to relapse, or move back out of alignment. In many cases, this can be traced back to a failure to wear a retainer after braces are removed when they had them earlier in life.

When braces are first removed, the teeth are still in a fragile state and need to be supported in order to maintain their new position. Wearing a retainer helps to keep the teeth in place while they continue to settle into their new positions.

However, retainers must be worn as directed by your orthodontist in order to be effective. For best results, we recommend wearing a retainer for at least 12 hours per day for the first year after braces are removed.

After that, you can switch to wearing your retainer at night only. If you don’t wear your retainer as directed, your teeth may start to shift out of alignment again. So if you want to keep your smile looking its best, make sure to wear your retainer as directed!

Before A Big Event

Your wedding day. Your high school reunion. Your first date in years. Big events can be nerve-wracking enough without having to worry about your teeth. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, adult braces may be the perfect solution for you.

Straighter teeth not only look great, but they’re also easier to keep clean – meaning you can flash those pearly whites with confidence. And there’s no need to worry about adult braces being too noticeable – today’s options are smaller and more discreet than ever before. So if you’re looking to boost your confidence for a big event, adult braces may be the way to go.

Professional Reasons

Another common reason why adults get braces is because they want to improve their appearance for professional reasons. In today’s professional world, first impressions are more important than ever, and having straight teeth can help show others that you care about your oral health. If you’re looking to make a good impression, straight teeth can definitely help.

Correct A Facial Asymmetry

Any adult who wishes to improve the appearance of their teeth should consider straightening them. Not only can this help to create a more symmetrical appearance, but it can also make your teeth appear larger and your smile more attractive.

In addition, straightening your teeth can also help to improve your oral health. When teeth are properly aligned, it is easier to brush and floss them effectively, which reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Improve Self Esteem

Finally, many adults simply want to feel better about themselves. Whether your teeth have always bothered you or you’ve started to notice them shifting as you age, wearing braces can increase your confidence and help you feel better about your smile.

There’s no need to feel self-conscious about your smile as an adult. More and more adults are opting for braces to achieve the straight teeth they’ve always wanted. And with improvements in clear treatment options such as Invisalign aligners, most people won’t even know you’ve started treatment! And what’s not to love about that?

Types of Braces For Adults

Just because you’re not a teenager anymore doesn’t mean you’re too old for braces! In fact, adult braces are becoming more and more common. There are a variety of different types of braces that can be used to straighten teeth, and your orthodontist will help you choose the best option for your situation.

Metal Braces

Metal braces are the most common type of braces, and they are also the most affordable. However, they are also the most visible. If you’re looking for a more discreet option, clear or ceramic braces may be a better choice.

Clear Braces

Clear braces use clear brackets that blend in with your teeth, making them much less noticeable. They still work in the same way as traditional metal braces but are just much less visible, especially at a distance.

Invisalign®

For adults who are concerned about the appearance of their braces, invisible aligners such as Invisalign® may be the best option. These aligners are made from clear plastic and are practically invisible when worn.

Conclusion

If you’re an adult considering braces, know that you’re definitely not alone! More and more adults are correcting their smiles with braces every day, and there are a number of reasons why.

Whether you didn’t have the chance to get them as a child or you want to improve your appearance for your big day, braces can have a big impact on your life. So don’t wait—if you’re considering braces, now is the perfect time to take the plunge! Call our offices today at Bluebird Orthodontics to set up your free consultation.

The post You’re Never Too Old for Braces! 6 Reasons Adults Start Braces first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how Invisalign works and what you can expect from the treatment process. From the initial consultation to the final results, read on to learn more about Invisalign and how it can help you achieve a straighter, more confident smile.

How Does Invisalign Work

Invisalign works by using a series of clear aligners that gradually move your teeth into the desired position. First, an orthodontist scans the inside of your mouth using a 3D scanner that uploads your teeth and structure into a computer program called iTero.

Once uploaded into the iTero program, an orthodontist will virtually move your teeth into the correct position. You can often see an example of how your smile will look during the day of your scan using predictive movements in the software.

The scans your orthodontist took are then submitted to Invisalign where they will design a series of custom aligners based on your 3D scans. After about a week, your new clear aligners will arrive at your orthodontics office.

Since teeth are generally smooth, Invisalign requires small bumps to be placed periodically on your teeth to help with movement. You’ll have another short visit to your orthodontist to get the bumps placed on your teeth and pick up about 8 weeks’ worth of Invisalign trays.

As you wear the aligners, your teeth will gently move into the final position! Treatment time varies based on your specific issues and goals. You will likely visit your orthodontist about once every 8 weeks during your treatment, which is less than with braces.

This cuts down significantly on the time you need to spend missing work or school to visit your orthodontist. It also allows you to travel farther to see the orthodontist of your choosing instead of the closest one to your home or work. This makes Invisalign great for adults or teens who want to avoid the frequent commutes they would have with braces!

What You Should Expect During Your Initial Consultation

When you arrive at Bluebird Orthodontics for your initial consultation for Invisalign, you’ll fill out our new patient paper if you haven’t already. We’ll then take you to our photo and X-ray room to gather some records.

We take about 6-8 photos of each patient’s teeth and bite to have a good record of where you started. We then bring you over to our 3D X-ray machine to get a 3D model of your mouth. This gives our orthodontist a better understanding of what’s going on beneath the surface of your gums and makes sure that you are a good candidate for Invisalign.

We’ll then take you into one of our private exam rooms for our orthodontists to do a full assessment and find out what your goals for your new smile are! We develop a full treatment plan and determine if there is any dental work needed before you can get started.

Then, we’ll go over pricing and what your Invisalign treatment will look like. We’ll give you an estimate of how long it will take and show you models of what your smile will look like once treatment is complete!

Patients can usually get started on the same day if no dental work is necessary!

How Long Does it Take for Invisalign to Work?

Your teeth start straightening from the first set of aligners you wear. You should start noticing changes in your smile within the first few weeks. It usually takes around 6-12 months to complete treatment in Invisalign. However, every case is different.

After Invisalign Treatment

Once you have finished your last tray and both you and the orthodontist are happy with your smile, you’ll come into the office to have your attachments removed and get scanned for a retainer.

We use the same 3D scanner that we used during your initial visit. Invisalign will make you a custom-fitted retainer to help maintain your smile and keep your teeth from retracing.

For a short time after finishing treatment, you may need to wear your retainers for the entire day just as you wore your Invisalign trays. Once our orthodontist feels confident enough in your smile, you can start to wear them only at night. You should plan on wearing them at night forever if you want to keep your teeth extra straight!

Conclusion

Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth without having to wear braces. The process works by using a series of clear, customized aligners that gradually move your teeth into the desired position.

At Bluebird Orthodontics, we take extra care to make sure your teeth look the way you want them before treatment is complete. If you’re interested in finding out if Invisalign is right for you, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Hailee today!

The post How Does Invisalign® Work: 4 Things You Should Know first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.

What is the average cost of braces in Utah?

How much does Invisalign® cost?

Does Medicaid cover braces?

Does dental insurance cover braces?

Does insurance cover Invisalign?

Are braces worth it?

Conclusion

The post How Much Do Braces Cost? first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.

In this guide, we will explore some of the best ways to floss with braces so that you can make the process as painless and easy as possible. From the best type of floss to use to how to floss correctly, read on for everything you need to know about flossing with braces.

How to Floss with Braces

If you have braces, you know that flossing can be a bit of a challenge. But it’s important to floss regularly, even with braces, to keep your teeth and gums healthy. So how do you floss with braces?

The easiest way to floss with braces is to use a floss threader. This is a small tool that looks like a needle with a loop at the end. You thread the floss through the loop and then carefully insert it under the wire of your braces. Once the floss is through, you can floss as normal.

If you don’t have a floss threader, you can still floss your teeth with braces using a string of waxed dental floss. Be sure to use waxed dental floss, since non-waxed floss can fray when rubbing against the wires.

Also, be careful not to snap the floss against your braces, as this can damage the wire. You’ll need to thread the floss around the braces by hand, which can be tricky but easy once you get the hang of it.

Floss each side of the tooth as normal, and repeat the process on each tooth. It may be time-consuming, but it is important to keep your gums healthy!

What Type of Floss is Best for Braces?

You should always use waxed dental floss when flossing with braces. The coating prevents it from fraying or tearing.

Waxed floss also makes it simpler to slip the floss between your teeth and have it glide smoothly against your teeth, keeping plaque out. For those with braces, waxed dental floss is always recommended.

There is also a type of floss made by Oral B called Super Floss. Oral-B Super Floss is specially designed for cleaning braces, bridges and wide gaps between teeth. Its three unique components—a stiffened-end dental floss threader, spongy floss and regular floss—all work together to provide maximum benefits.

How Can a Patient with Braces Make Flossing Easier?

The use of a floss threader can significantly reduce the amount of time needed to floss teeth for those who wear braces. Floss threaders are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most supermarkets or pharmacies. This small, plastic tool helps you pull floss behind the braces wire easily, and can save you several minutes in your dental care routine.

How to Use Properly a Floss Threader

Everyone has their own preference, but we will show you our favorite way to use a floss threader properly! It can help to tie the floss to the floss threader, so it doesn’t continually come out of the floss threader.

Once the floss is connected to the threader, slide the threader behind the braces starting on the gum side. This will stop you from poking your gums if you try to insert the floss threader from your mouth toward the gums. Once the floss is behind the braces, floss as normal between each tooth. 

It might take some time to get used to it and take longer at first, but don’t worry! After flossing with a floss threader a few times, you will get used to it and move faster.

Conclusion

If you have braces, don’t worry – flossing is still possible! We hope this article gives you a better understanding of how to floss with braces, and we’re happy to help you figure out the best method for you. Give us a call today at Bluebird Orthodontics and we’ll be happy to help you keep your smile healthy and sparkling!

The post The Ultimate Guide On How To Floss With Braces first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.

But never fear! I’m here to tell you that there are plenty of foods out there that are totally braces-friendly.

In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 foods you can eat with braces. From soft fruits to soups and more, read on to find out what you can still enjoy while wearing braces.

The Top 10 Foods to Eat with Braces

You’ll probably notice that all of the foods on this list are soft and don’t contain any foods that can damage the wire, bands, or brackets in your braces. But even with braces, you can still enjoy some delicious meals that will make you forget you were missing out on anything.

Let’s jump into our list of the top 10 foods to eat with braces!

Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs are a great way to start your day if you have braces. The eggs are soft enough that they won’t cause any damage to your braces, and they contain enough nutrients to get your day started right. You can eat eggs cooked in a variety of ways with braces, but scrambled is our favorite method.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are delicious and comforting food. And if you have braces, you may be wondering if you can still enjoy this savory treat. While it may seem like a challenge to eat mashed potatoes with braces, it is actually quite easy.

However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Make sure the potatoes are fully mashed. This will make them easier to eat and will help to prevent them from getting stuck in your braces. Also, be sure to brush your teeth shortly after eating mashed potatoes to avoid getting some stuck in your braces.

Ice Cream

Ice cream lovers are in luck! Eating ice cream with braces is not only easy, but it’s one of the best foods to eat. The cold from the ice cream will relax the wires and make your braces more comfortable.

Your teeth may be a little sensitive to the cold at first, but that sensation will go away quickly. You’ll just want to make sure you choose soft ice cream that doesn’t have any hard toppings.

Steamed Vegetables

Steamed vegetables are a great healthy option for those with braces, since they are soft and easy to chew. Just be sure to avoid any hard or crunchy vegetables, as these can damage your braces.

Vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet, and steaming them helps to retain their nutrients. When choosing vegetables to steam, aim for ones that will be easy on your new braces, such as broccoli, carrots, and zucchini.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Few things are more comforting than a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup and it is one of our favorite meals to eat with braces! The shredded chicken is an excellent alternative to chicken wings or tenders, since the shredded chicken won’t get stuck in your braces. Also, the noodles are vegetables complete this

Pasta

Yes – you can absolutely still eat pasta with braces! Many people think that eating pasta with braces is difficult, but it is actually quite easy. One trick is to cut the pasta into small pieces before you eat it. This will help to prevent the pasta from getting stuck in your braces. Other than that, most boiled pastas make great dinner options for those with braces.

Fruit Smoothies

Smoothies are a great option for people with braces because they’re easy to drink and don’t require any chewing. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients and can be made with all sorts of different fruits. So if you’re looking for a braces-friendly way to enjoy fruit, give smoothies a try.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Homemade chocolate chip cookies are a perfect dessert for those looking for something sweet to eat when in braces. Homemade chocolate chip cookies are best since they should be soft and chewy and avoid hard or crunchy cookies.

Just be sure to brush your teeth after eating chocolate chip cookies so that the chocolate chips don’t get stuck in your braces.

Hummus

Hummus is a delicious and healthy snack that is perfect for people with braces. The soft, creamy texture of hummus makes it easy to eat, and it’s packed with nutrients like protein and fiber. So go ahead and enjoy a bowl of hummus the next time you’re looking for a healthy snack – your braces won’t get in the way!

Applesauce

Applesauce is a great soft food to eat if you have braces. It can make a great snack for those in braces that want something quick that won’t get stuck in their braces. Just be sure to avoid any chunky applesauce, as the chunks can get caught in your braces and cause irritation.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for foods that are both braces-friendly and delicious, look no further! This list provides ten great options for what to eat with braces. From soups and snacks to soft fruits and veggies, there’s something for everyone.

Just to recap, here is our list of the top 10 foods to eat with braces:

1. Scrambled eggs
2. Mashed potatoes
3. Ice cream
4. Steamed vegetables
5. Chicken noodle soup
6. Pasta
7. Fruit smoothies
8. Chocolate chip cookies
9. Hummus
10. Applesauce

So don’t wait! Call us at Bluebird Orthodontics today and let us help you get started on your journey to a beautiful smile!

The post The Top 10 Foods To Eat With Braces first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.