You are Never too Old for Braces

Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens.

Just as straight, white teeth convey youth, a smile with crooked, discolored, or worn teeth is associated with age. Beautifully straight, symmetrical white teeth cannot only make you look younger, but they can dramatically improve your confidence.

The orthodontic problems you may be living with as an adult raise more than cosmetic concerns. Crowded or overlapping teeth can be difficult to clean, making tooth decay and gum disease more likely. Teeth that don't come together properly when you close your jaws can cause chewing and swallowing problems. Poor tooth alignment can also make it difficult to pronounce certain sounds and can put excessive stress on the chewing muscles, causing facial pain.

Whether you’re 6 or 60, it’s the same physiological process that moves teeth through bone. Teeth move in response to forces being placed on them over time. Although childhood is the ideal time to make changes in the positioning of the teeth, if you are healthy your teeth can be straightened at any age.

As an adult, you might think that your options for having your teeth fixed are limited, but today's orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. Dr. Theresa L. Skelton will discuss your options to ensure your treatment plan fits your lifestyle.

You are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment can be just as successful for adults as it is for children. Don’t let your age keep you from consulting TLS Orthodontics.

TLS Orthodontics Can Fix Your Bite Problem

Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics

Our smiles are uniquely ours. However so is our bite. In orthodontics, “bite” refers to the way the upper and lower teeth come together. A bad bite happens when teeth meet improperly, or they don’t meet at all.

When a person's teeth or jaws do not fit together properly, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct the problem. If left untreated, these orthodontic problems can cause speech difficulty, premature wear of the teeth and protective enamel, and can even increase the chance of injury to the teeth and jaw joints.

5 Common Orthodontic Problems Treated at TLS Orthodontics

1. Crowding - Crowding of the teeth is probably the most common orthodontic problem. Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gums. This can be a result of big teeth or inadequate space in the jaw or both. This may result in teeth that overlap, are rotated, or take on a crooked/staggered appearance. Not only is crowding unattractive, but it has also been linked to periodontal problems and dental decay because it is harder to clean overlapping teeth's surfaces.

2. Spacing - Spacing is another popular reason for braces. Spacing may be related to a tooth-to-jaw size disharmony. Tooth size discrepancies, such as smaller teeth or abnormally shaped teeth, can also create abnormal spacing. The opposite of crowding, spacing is most commonly caused by excessive jaw room for the size of the erupting teeth.

3. Crossbite - A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth. This orthodontic problem can be caused by misalignment of teeth or a misalignment of the bone and can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth. Your jaw may shift to one side if not corrected and wear down on your tooth enamel.

4. Underbite - An underbite happens when the lower jaw sits in front of the upper jaw. The lower jaw may appear to be excessively large, but in many cases the lack of upper jaw development is at fault. An underbite impacts tooth wear and adds a stress on your jaw joints. Through orthodontic treatment, an underbite can be corrected and help keep you healthy, beyond an aesthetically pleasing smile.

5. Overbite – An overbite occurs when your top front teethextend beyond your bottom front teeth. The most common cause of an overbite is the shape and/or size of the jaw or the teeth. This could mean having too much room in the jaw area or too little room to accommodate one’s teeth. If not treated, the overbite will allow the teeth to crowd each other and grow in crooked if there is too little room, or the teeth will be spaced too far apart if the jaw area is too large. A more severe overbite may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, or jaw pain.

The fact is…untreated problems tend to get worse with time. If you suspect that you or a loved one has one of these five common bite problems, Dr. Skelton can help. Make an appointment with TLS Orthodontics today. You do not need to wait until your dentist refers you.

Braces by TLS Orthodontics

Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics

Your smile has an effect on your whole life, at TLS Orthodontics, we offer three types of braces to help transform your smile.

Damon Silver Braces - Damon Silver Braces are a good, cost-effective option for kids, teens, and adults. Because of their durability and cost-effectiveness, they are the most popular braces used in orthodontics. Damon Braces provide a comprehensive treatment option for anyone considering orthodontic treatment. With the Damon System, you or your child can have a healthy, beaming smile in less time and with greater comfort. The Damon Braces System has been clinically proven for 20+ years with over 7 million smiles delivered. The Damon Silver Braces utilizes a patented slide mechanism to connect archwires to the bracket while allowing the wire to move freely. The Damon System reduces friction and improves oral hygiene by eliminating elastic ties.

Damon Clear Braces - DamonClear Braces are a growing option to correct your bite and straighten your smile. Clear braces work just like silver braces, however, they are made of a tooth-colored ceramic material and are nearly invisible. Many people opt for ceramic braces because they’re less noticeable on your teeth. This can be a huge advantage if you’re considering braces but don’t want to feel self-conscious about wearing them. The light, gentle forces used by the Damon System promote efficient tooth movement and help improve oral health by preserving tooth roots. Lighter forces also help prevent undue gum recession and tooth loss.  Because Damon Clear Braces don't require elastic ties, helping to improve oral hygiene and protect gum health.

Invisalign Clear Aligners - Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth without the use of metal braces. Invisalign is a series of custom-made clear aligners that cover your teeth and gently pull them into the proper position over time. Because they are clear and can be taken on and off, they are less noticeable than traditional metal braces. With Invisalign clear aligners there are no metal brackets or wires to detract from your smile while undergoing treatment. Invisalign clear aligners are made from BPA-free plastic, and they are far more comfortable than traditional silver braces. Both teenagers and adults can wear Invisalign. Invisalign clear aligners are used to close gaps between teeth, as well as treating overbite, underbite, open bite, crossbite, and overcrowded teeth.

Dr. Theresa Skelton is committed to determining which treatment solution is best suited for you. Schedule your orthodontic consultation today and smile with confidence tomorrow.

Do You Have Gum Disease?

Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics

More than 80 percent of Americans are living with periodontal or gum disease, which more often than not, goes unnoticed.

Gum disease is something that most people will experience at some point in their lives. But because the symptoms of gum disease are so subtle and painless, most people just shrug it off. If gum disease is left untreated, the consequences could be severe.  Gum disease has been linked to a host of general medical problems, including: Heart disease, Endocarditis, Lung problems, Alzheimer’s disease, Colorectal cancer, Diabetes, and Kidney, pancreatic and blood cancers in men.

According to the American Association of Periodontology (AAP), you may have gum disease if:

• Your gums are red, swollen, and sore to the touch. 
• Your gums bleed when you eat, brush or floss. 
• You see pus or other signs of infection around the gums and teeth. 
• Your gums look as if they are "pulling away" from the teeth. 
• You frequently have bad breath or notice a bad taste in your mouth. 
• Your teeth are loose or feel as if they are moving away from the other teeth.

A great oral hygiene routine and regular visits to your general dentist are the absolute best way to take a preventative measure against gum disease. Plaque begins to re-form within 24 hours after brushing and flossing, so daily care is essential. Be sure to floss every day to ensure your gums are healthy and pink.

With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, you can keep your teeth for a lifetime and avoid many significant health problems.

If you have any questions regarding the health of your teeth and gums, please don't hesitate to give TLS Orthodontics a call.

 

Beautiful Smiles To Last A Lifetime

Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics

It’s time to celebrate! You’ve just gotten your braces taken off and your smile looks amazing!

If you want to keep that beautiful smile for life, you're going to need to make sure you wear your retainer. Your orthodontic treatment does not end once Dr. Theresa L. Skelton remove your braces...wearing your retainer is the final step in keeping your smile perfect.

Here's something you may not know...your teeth aren't set rigidly into your jawbone. Your teeth are held in place by bands of fibrous tissue called the periodontal ligaments. After your teeth have been moved into their ideal position by your braces, it takes time for the periodontal ligaments to adjust. 

When you’re not wearing your retainer, pressure from your lips and tongue can cause your teeth to shift. Even if your teeth don’t look like they have moved, that doesn’t mean they haven’t. If you go without wearing your retainer for long periods of time, your teeth will continue to move until misalignment is visibly noticeable.

The retention phase of your treatment begins as soon as your braces are removed and lasts a minimum of 24 months. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put and wear your retainer as prescribed by Dr. Skelton. 

If you have any questions about the retention phrase of your orthodontic treatment, please don't hesitate to contact our Greenville office. 
 

Remember: Remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.

Protect Your Enamel

Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics

Braces are a spectacular tool for straightening smiles and correcting jaw problems that impact self-confidence and overall oral wellness. The wires and brackets used at TLS Orthodontics are fundamental to the treatment process, but it can be difficult to remove food particles that get stuck under and between your brackets and wires. Unfortunately, if food is left to fester, the acidic content of the food can eat away at your tooth’s enamel.

If you have braces, your smile can be prone to enamel erosion. Enamel erosion occurs when acid attacks the teeth and wears down the enamel. This can make your teeth vulnerable to tooth fractures and cavities. Pay special attention to cleaning your teeth every day. Permanent damage to tooth enamel can occur if the teeth and brackets are not kept clean.

To prevent enamel erosion, Dr. Theresa L. Skelton encourages you to:

Keep Your Teeth Clean: Brush your teeth after every meal. Use an interdental brush, floss (and floss threaders) and possibly a water flosser to help rid your mouth of stuck debris.

Use Fluoride: Fluoride can strengthen your tooth enamel and help you avoid enamel erosion. Use a fluoride toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash whenever possible.

Avoid Acidic Foods and Beverages: Consuming acidic foods can expose your smile to the acids that harm the teeth. So, it’s best to avoid consuming acidic foods and drinks as much as possible. Certain foods and beverages are more acidic than others. During orthodontic treatment, focus on eating foods that are both good for your body and your teeth.

When it comes to taking care of your teeth while wearing braces, one of the best things you can do is pay attention to what you are putting in your mouth. Thinking about what is coming in contact with your pearly whites can protect your teeth from erosion and decay.

Less tooth-friendly foods and drinks include: apples, cherries, oranges, peaches, pears, plums, pineapples, raspberries, tomatoes, pickles, soft drinks, and fruit drinks.

More tooth-friendly foods and drinks include: bananas, mangoes, melons, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, milk, water, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, crackers, and pasta.

If you like to learn more about how you prevent enamel erosion while wearing braces, our friendly staff at TLS Orthodontics is available to train you in methods for keeping your teeth clean and strong. 

 

Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligners

Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics

Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created just for you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements that Dr. Theresa L. Skelton plans out for you.

One of Invisalign’s biggest advantages is having the ability to take the aligners out to eat and drink. But just because you can take them out, doesn't mean they don't get dirty. Keeping your aligners clean is a vital part of your treatment, and it's the only way to keep them invisible, odorless, and free from germs. Without proper cleaning, your aligners can discolor, smell, and build up deposits of plaque and bacteria that can eat away at the enamel on your teeth.

Follow these simple Do's and Don'ts when caring for your Invisalign aligners:

DO Rinse Every Time: Any time you take your aligners out of your mouth, rinse them thoroughly under running water. This will rinse away bacteria, saliva, and food particles.

DON’T Boil Your Aligners: Hot water will distort the trays. It is not safe to place your Invisalign aligners into the dishwasher or in boiling water.

DO Brush and Floss Your Teeth: Proper care isn't just about clean aligners; your teeth need to stay clean as well. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent buildup of plaque and bacteria under the aligners.

DON’T Use Toothpaste: Toothpaste is great for your teeth, but it can harm your aligners. When you brush your aligners, do so gently and without toothpaste.

DO Brush Carefully: Ideally, you want to brush your Invisalign aligners every time you take them out or before you put them back in. But be careful, as overzealous brushing can leave visible marks and scratches on your aligners.

If you have questions about how you can better care for your Invisalign aligners, we are here to help! Feel free to reach out to us  at our Greenville orthodontic office.