How to Know if You Need Braces? - Braces Las Vegas

There are certain scenarios in which braces are a strong recommendation, but many times people often wonder what criteria there is to be a good candidate for braces.

Las Vegas braces specialist notes specific scenarios in which orthodontic braces would benefit you or your child, not just for straightening teeth, but also for a normal functioning mouth. If you're wondering how to know if you need braces, then here’s a quick checklist to follow (provided by the American Association of Orthodontists):

·      Uneven bite

·      Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth

·      Speech difficulty

·      Biting your cheek

·      Facial imbalance

·      Grinding or clenching of teeth

·      Protruding teeth

·      Misalignment of the jaw

·      Crooked teeth

·      Gaps between teeth

If you meet any of the above criteria, then you may want to check in with an orthodontist in Las Vegas to see how serious your condition is regarding the future of your oral health: chewing efficiency, abnormal tooth wear, jaw joint disorders, etc.

Invisalign® Braces

The absolute truth is that many people settle for braces simply because they are unsatisfied with the look of their teeth; an insecurity. They want straighter teeth because straight teeth make better impressions and also make you appear more attractive. People that are concerned with the embarrassment that may result from wearing visible metal braces for a period of time would be happy to learn that clear braces do exist: known under the name Invisalign®.

Keep in mind that anyone can receive braces. There’s seems to be a looming skepticism around the belief that orthodontic treatment is for young children only. This simply is not true. Anyone can benefit from braces, especially adults, either for aesthetic purposes or for proper functionality.

Talk to your local Las Vegas orthodontist to learn more about types of braces, adult braces, or read our FAQ on braces. The path to straightened teeth starts somewhere!

Common Orthodontic Concerns: Playing Sports With Braces

A common concern for those just receiving a pair of orthodontic braces is whether or not they can play sports with braces. The answer is: yes, you can play sports with braces. The reason is because special orthodontic mouth guards exist, which provide protection against your orthodontic appliances. You may have to search around for one that rests comfortably in your mouth.

Orthodontic mouth guards will only provide extra protection; they do not guarantee that damage will not be dealt to your braces. It’s still highly recommended to wear a pair though, just to be on the safe side. Orthodontic mouth guards are typically made with higher quality materials, as the extra support is needed to house the wiring and brackets.

Visit our patient information section to learn more about common questions regarding braces: talking with braces, life with braces, oral health with braces, etc. If an accident does occur, your orthodontist can always repair and readjust the damage. Just be sure not to wait a long time to schedule an appointment, because your teeth will slowly begin shifting out of place.

Talk to your Las Vegas braces orthodontist for information regarding sports and wearing braces. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible while you look forward to receiving a smile not only straightened, but as bright as it can be!

Do You Know the Difference Between Braces?

It’s important to choose braces that you will be most comfortable and satisfied with as you will be responsible for wearing them for a good portion of time, leading to results that will last you a lifetime. In order to choose braces, you need to know the difference between braces!

There are subtle differences in clear braces and metal braces that typically lie in the cosmetic differences. Some people cannot fathom having to wear metal braces that are more obvious to notice than its clear counterpart.

Clear braces have a much better chance of blending in over metal braces. If you’re concerned with the way you’re going to look in pictures, etc. then perhaps clear braces may be the obvious choice. However, clear braces are generally higher priced than metal braces.

This is to be expected throughout treatment. Don't worry! It's normal. Teeth must loosen first so they can be moved. The teeth will again become rigidly fixed in their new – corrected – positions.

The clear braces we offer here at Braces Las Vegas are called the In-Ovation® System Braces which is a technically advanced way of having braces. In-Ovation uses smaller brackets for a more comfortable fit as well as free-sliding technology that speeds up the process of straightening your teeth.

An advantage of metal braces is the fact that they’re made with high-grade stainless steel, meaning they are stronger than clear braces with a smaller chance of breaking. You can also customize your metal braces to use colored bands for a more aesthetically pleasing look.

Beyond clear braces, Invisalign® offers its patients a truly invisible way of straightening your teeth for those who do not want to have the possibility of feeling embarrassed for wearing braces.

Always remember that braces are absolutely a great way to straighten your teeth, having worked for millions of satisfied people. Many people are completely able to look beyond the negatives of braces when they realize how much better their teeth look.

For more information on braces, visit our website or give us a call @ 702-838-0707.
Set up a consultation with a Las Vegas Dentist to see which type of braces would work best for you!

Retainers after Braces

For people with a misaligned bite or crooked teeth, braces can straighten and align their smile.

Braces are placed on teeth by an orthodontist, which is a dentist who specializes in correcting irregularities of the teeth.

In the beginning, your orthodontist will conduct an exam of your teeth and gums, take impressions of your teeth, take photos of your face and teeth and order X-rays of your mouth and head.

The braces will then be placed on your teeth by your orthodontist. Periodically, you will return to see your orthodontist who will gently tighten the braces a little bit to move your teeth in the correct direction.

After the braces straighten your teeth and your orthodontist removes them, your choppers should look straight. However, teeth have a natural inclination to go back to where they were (crooked) before you had your braces put on. If that were to happen, then you would have wasted a lot of time and money on braces.

That’s why your orthodontist will have you fitted for a retainer, which you will need to wear regularly.

A retainer is a piece of plastic and metal that is custom-made for each person, after his or her braces are taken off. Each retainer is designed to fit each unique mouth; that’s why your orthodontist will make a mold of your newly straightened teeth to create a retainer.

Your retainer will help your teeth stay set in their new positions. Children and adults who have had braces both need to wear their retainers. Children and teens are especially vulnerable to shifting teeth because their bodies are still growing. The retainer helps to control this shifting, which happens naturally. 

Visit our website to learn more about the retainers or call 702-838-0707 to make an appointment today. Our experienced orthodontists will make sure that your comfort is their priority. Start on the road to straighter teeth today!

It's Not Too Late for Braces

Everyone understands the importance of the beautiful smile. It can be one of the key elements of your self-confidence and social life success. That is why most parents try to straighten their kids’ teeth as soon as possible. But what if you already skipped these happy childhood years when braces were nothing but just some metal things in your teeth?

The decision to straighten your teeth can be obviously very tough for some adults and teenagers. Not everyone feels comfortable and confident wearing braces. That’s why a lot of people tend to postpone the decision to straighten their teeth. Now you don’t need to find a compromise between your lifestyle and the perfect smile you dream about.

Sounds like a miracle that Invisalign® can straighten your teeth in a way that nobody would be able to guess that you are wearing braces. Curious to know more? Let’s see what Invisalign® is and how it works.  

Invisalign® features plastic clear aligners that are customized especially for you. Invisalign® orthodontic treatment includes multiple sets of aligners, which goes after each other, as a part of series of treatments. Each set of aligners gradually shifts your teeth to the right place. The huge benefit of Invisalign is that, unlike standard braces, you can easily remove your invisible braces any time when you want to eat or brush your teeth.

You must be excited to know that there are invisible braces for adults and teenagers, so you can get a treatment for your particular case. Check our website to learn more about the whole treatment and Invisalign® cases or call 702-838-0707 to make an appointment for the FREE consultation at Braces LV.  

Help, I stained my Braces

When it comes to braces, ceramic braces are far less visible than metal braces and often the choice of many people these days. 

One of the most common worries that people, who wear ceramic brackets, have is staining their white braces. The ceramic brackets will resist picking up stains, but the rubber bands that connect the braces can become stained. 

Fortunately, elastic bands are usually replaced by an orthodontist every 4-6 weeks. So the next time you have an adjustment by your orthodontist, the stained elastic bands will be replaced with new ones. 

Some people may think they can clean the elastic bands themselves. You can try brushing with whitening toothpaste, but the stain will likely be visible to some degree. Another trick is to drink lemon water after drinking beverages that tend to stain. 

Try avoiding foods like curry, mustard, black coffee and red wine. Avoid black tea, as it can seriously stain. Try herbal, green, and white teas, which are less likely to stain. 

Dark colas can stain elastic bands and all colas contain acids that make teeth more likely to stain. Also, avoid foods such as dark berries and deeply-colored sauces. 

If you (or your child) have staining or any other problems with your braces, you should contact an experienced orthodontist. Please check our website for more information or call 702.838.0707 to make an appointment today.

Your First Orthodontic Consultation

Approximately 3 million American teens have braces. The number of adults who are having orthodontic treatments is steadily rising. You’re never too old or too young to have straight teeth.

The initial consultation with the orthodontist is basically a visual exam of your teeth and facial structure. Sometimes the orthodontist requires more in-depth information, but none of this causes any pain or discomfort.

Your orthodontist will explain to you how your teeth, jaws, and alignment are doing and explain what type of solutions may be needed. You will be encouraged to look at your X-rays and pictures, and ask questions or express any concerns. The goal is to personalize your treatment for the best outcome.

During your consultation, you will also be told how much future treatment(s) will cost. The orthodontist or a member of the staff will go over your treatment fees, insurance coverage (how much it will cover), and the payment policies of the office.

Call our office at 702-838-0707 or visit our website to learn more about the first orthodontic consultation.