At Smile City Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, we understand that orthodontic emergencies can happen unexpectedly. That’s why we offer reliable emergency orthodontic care to address urgent issues and restore your comfort as quickly as possible. Whether it’s a broken bracket, loose wire, or severe discomfort, our expert team is here to provide prompt and effective solutions to keep your treatment on track.
Orthodontic emergencies can happen unexpectedly and may cause discomfort or concern. At Smile City Orthodontics, we understand how important it is to address these situations promptly to ensure your comfort and the continued progress of your treatment. If you require urgent orthodontic care in Sunnyvale TX, rest assured that we are here to help. Whether you’re dealing with a broken bracket, loose wire, or significant pain, our dedicated emergency orthodontist, Dr. Jacob, and our caring team are ready to assist you.
Immediate Support When You Need It If you’re experiencing an orthodontic emergency, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us right away. Our team is equipped to handle a variety of urgent issues, and we are committed to providing you with the care you need. You can contact our emergency orthodontic care line at (214) 663-9144. We’ll work to offer guidance over the phone and, if necessary, arrange for an in-office visit to address your concern.
Temporary Solutions for Immediate Relief We understand that not all emergencies happen during office hours, which is why we provide resources and guidance to help you manage certain issues at home temporarily. For many orthodontic problems, simple at-home solutions can provide relief until we’re able to see you in the office. Below, we’ll outline common orthodontic emergencies and steps you can take to alleviate discomfort and protect your orthodontic appliances.
Steps during an Orthodontic emergency:
Step 1: Call on the emergency line Give us a call to our emergency number listed on our website. Whether its during business hours or after, give us a call and we will schedule you for an emergency appointment.
Step 2: Phone care instructions We will listen to your situation and the doctor will provide you the necessary steps to best handle the situation until your appointment.
Step 3:Identify and assess the problem When you arrive, Dr.Jacob will assess the problem during the appointment. We will start right away to evaluate your situation and alleviate any pain.
Step 4: Formulate a treatment plan After we assess the problem, we will deliver the treatment. All orthodontic emergencies will be handled at our practice but may recommend to see your dentist if there is any discomfort from certain dental issues.
The idea of needing braces as a teen can seem stressful and frustrating for many adolescents. Braces are not something many wish they required, but they are essential dental treatments to ensure the health of one’s smile. At Smile City Orthodontics, we understand the unique orthodontic needs of adolescents and are devoted to providing personalized care that results in beautiful, lasting smiles. A growing number of adolescents require orthodontic intervention, which makes it essential for parents to be informed about the available treatments and their benefits. Smile City Orthodontics offers a comprehensive approach to adolescent orthodontic treatment in Sunnyvale, TX, needs, combining state-of-the-art technology with compassionate care.
What is Adolescent Orthodontic Treatment?
Adolescence is a time of rapid growth and change, not just emotionally and physically, but also within the mouth. Teenagers often experience significant dental developments, leading to various orthodontic issues. Common problems include overcrowding, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. These issues can impact the aesthetics of a smile and the functionality of a teenager’s bite, leading to potential speech difficulties, chewing problems, and even jaw pain. Which is why we offer orthodontics for adolescents in Sunnyvale.
Smile City Orthodontics recognizes that every adolescent’s orthodontic needs are unique, so we offer various treatment options to suit different lifestyles and preferences.
Traditional metal braces remain popular due to their effectiveness in addressing many orthodontic issues. They consist of metal brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by wires, gradually moving teeth into their desired positions. For those seeking a more discreet option, we also provide ceramic braces, which blend in with the natural color of teeth.
Invisalign are an excellent alternative for teens who prefer a less visible solution. Custom-made and removable, these Invisalign offer the advantage of being virtually invisible while effectively correcting misalignments. They can also be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, promoting better oral hygiene during treatment.
Combining the strengths of braces and aligners, hybrid treatment offers flexibility and efficacy. This approach allows orthodontists to use braces to create necessary movement in the initial stages of treatment, followed by aligners to fine-tune the results. Plus, this method often leads to shorter treatment times and improved adolescent outcomes.
Signs Your Teenager May Need Orthodontic Treatment
Identifying the need for orthodontic adolescent treatment in Sunnyvale in teenagers can be challenging, as some dental issues may take time to become apparent. However, there are several signs that parents can look out for to determine if their teenager might benefit from a visit to the orthodontist.
Crooked or Misaligned Teeth: If teeth appear bent or poorly positioned, it may be time for an assessment.
Overcrowding: Insufficient space for teeth to align correctly can lead to overcrowding.
Gaps Between Teeth: Spaces larger than average can signal potential orthodontic issues.
Bite Issues: Difficulty adequately closing the mouth or discomfort when biting may suggest an overbite, underbite, or crossbite.
Jaw Pain or Discomfort: Experiencing pain in the jaw or headaches can be signs of orthodontic problems.
Speech Difficulties: Trouble articulating certain sounds could be related to misaligned teeth or jaws.
Changes in Facial Appearance: A noticeable change in the shape of the face or profile may indicate an underlying dental concern.
Unnecessary Wear on Teeth: If teeth show excessive wear or chipping, this can result from incorrect alignment.
The Advantages of Adolescent Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic treatment during adolescence offers numerous advantages that extend beyond simply straightening teeth.
Additionally, a straight, beautiful smile can significantly boost a teenager’s confidence, positively impacting their social interactions and overall self-image.
Furthermore, early orthodontic intervention can help identify and mitigate potential dental issues before they become more serious, saving time and money in the long run.
Lastly, investing in orthodontic care during the formative teenage years can reduce the need for more complex treatments in adulthood, leading to long-term financial savings.
Starting orthodontic treatment can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience for teenagers and their parents. Plus, knowing what to expect can help alleviate concerns and ensure a smooth and successful treatment process. However, Smile City Orthodontics strives to make the orthodontic journey as comfortable and enjoyable as possible for our patients and their families.
Initial Consultation:
The first step is to schedule an initial consultation with our experienced orthodontist, Dr. Jacob. However, during this appointment, we’ll thoroughly examine your teen’s teeth and jaws, discuss their needs, and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.
Treatment Planning:
Once we’ve determined the best course of action, we’ll create a customized treatment plan tailored to your teenager’s unique needs and goals. Moreover, this plan will outline the expected duration of treatment, the types of appliances we use (such as braces, Invisalign, or retainers), and any necessary lifestyle adjustments.
Beginning Treatment:
After discussing the treatment plan with you and your teenager, we’ll begin the orthodontic treatment process. Furthermore, our team will guide you through each step, ensuring you and your teen understand how to care for their appliances and maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment.
Regular Check-ups:
Your teenager must attend regular appointments with Dr. Jacob throughout treatment. However, these visits allow us to monitor their progress, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure that the treatment is on track to achieve the desired results.
Completing Treatment:
Once your teenager’s teeth have reached their optimal alignment, we’ll remove any appliances and provide them with a retainer to help maintain their new smile. Plus, our team will also offer guidance on how to care for their teeth and retainers to ensure long-lasting results.
After Treatment: Caring for Your Smile as a Teen
Once orthodontic adolescent treatment in Sunnyvale is complete, teenagers need to understand the importance of maintaining their beautiful new smiles. Plus, proper care not only helps to ensure that their teeth remain in alignment but also contributes to their overall oral health. However, here are some critical tips for caring for a smile post-treatment:
Wear Retainers as Directed: First, retainers are crucial for keeping teeth in new positions. Plus, teenagers should wear them as instructed by their orthodontist to avoid potential shifting.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Next, maintaining a consistent oral care routine is vital. However, brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and using mouthwash can help prevent plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease.
Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: To protect teeth and retainers from damage, it’s wise to avoid hard foods, like candies and ice, and sticky substances that can cling to teeth.
Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups: Furthermore, routine visits to the dentist ensure that any potential issues can be identified and managed early. Plus, this step is essential for maintaining hygiene and the alignment gained through treatment.
Be Mindful of Habits: Teenagers should be aware of habits that may affect their teeth, such as nail-biting or using teeth as tools. Moreover, these activities can lead to unwanted stress on teeth and impact their alignment.
Stay Hydrated: Lastly, drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and keep saliva levels healthy, which is beneficial for oral health.
Adolescent Orthodontic Treatment in Sunnyvale, TX
Adolescent orthodontic treatment is a valuable investment in your teenager’s oral health and self-confidence. However, by addressing common orthodontic issues early on, parents can help their teens achieve a healthy and beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. Additionally, at Smile City Orthodontics, we provide compassionate, personalized care to meet the unique needs of our adolescent patients.
Schedule a Consultation today!
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment for your teenager, we invite you to a consultation with our experienced team at Smile City Orthodontics. Together, we can create a customized treatment plan that ensures the best possible outcome for your teen’s smile.
At Smile City Orthodontics, we understand the critical role orthopedic treatment plays in achieving a healthy and well-balanced smile. Our specialized approach focuses on addressing jaw and facial structure concerns early, ensuring proper development and function for long-term stability. By guiding bone growth and aligning the teeth correctly, orthopedic treatment can prevent more severe issues later in life.
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander is used to widen the palate (upper arch). It is one of the most common appliance used in orthodontics. Arch expansion helps in widening the arch which will help in correcting cross bite, alleviate crowding, and is used in particularly young and growing patients. The expander is attached to the upper or lower arch by bands around the first permanent molars and it is cemented to the teeth so patients cannot remove it. We will demonstrate how to activate the screw using the key and the key is provided to the parents so they can turn the appliance at home. At the time of appliance delivery, Dr. Jacob will decide the number and amount of turns based on patients age and treatment needs.
What can I expect during the first couple of days? Initial there is a mild discomfort when the appliance is placed and most of our patients report just a few days to get adjusted to the appliance. During the first days of turning the appliance, patients will feel pressure on their teeth, roof of the mouth, and sometimes around the nose. Your child may find speaking or eating difficult at first as the tongue and mouth gets adjusted to the appliance. It is also completely normal for a gap to appear between the upper front teeth. This means that the appliance is working to get the desired effect.
How long does the appliance stay in the mouth? Once the desired expansion is achieved, we leave the expander in the mouth from 6 months -1 year. We recommend minimum of 6 months to prevent any treatment relapse.
When is palatal expander recommended? If you heard your orthodontist or dentist say that your child has a cross bite then a palatal expander is recommended to expand the upper jaw. A palatal expander is also used in problems such as narrow arch, mild to moderate dental crowding, underbite, and some cases of sleep disordered breathing.
Herbst Appliance
Herbst appliance is a popular functional orthopedic appliance that is used in correcting jaw discrepancies in growing patients. They are primarily used in patients with a deficient jaw. This appliance is fixed to the teeth and is working 24 hours to maximize jaw growth.
How does the appliance look? The appliance is comprised of custom fabricated high grade stainless steel framework that is connected to the permanent first molars in the upper and lower arch. The designs of Herbst appliance may vary between patients based on their treatment needs. However, most commonly you will see an expander in the upper arch and a lower lingual holding arch in the lower arch. The upper and lower appliance is connected by telescoping mechanism that will aid in class II correction. Overtime, as patient opens and closes the mouth, the appliance will exert pressure on the upper and lower jaw, which will help in jaw alignment thus correcting the bite.
What can I expect after the appliance is cemented? We have noticed that most patients take up to 7 days to get used to the appliance. Initially, patients will feel the bite is different. Patients may have sores in mouth, most commonly where the appliance rest agains the cheeks and lips. However, most patients adapt fairly quickly. With time, patients will notice their bite changing and teeth adapt into a normal occlusion.
How long do they stay in the mouth? They are mostly recommended to be in mouth along with your braces between 9-12 months. The time interval is dependent on how severe your childs bite is. Dr. Jacob will ensure the bands are not loose and functioning properly during regular adjustment appointments. Every 2-3 months, Dr.Jacob will also activate the appliance by adding shims to the telescoping tubes. According to Dr. Blake Tollison, a reliable orthodontist in Greenville, SC, regular appliance checks and minor adjustments ensure optimal results throughout the entire treatment phase.
Do I experience discomfort with the appliance? Just like your braces, there will be minor discomfort until your mouth adjusts. Most patients feel better within a week following which you should be able to speak and eat without any discomfort. If there is any emergency appointment such as loose bands, we are here to help. Please call our emergency number and we will be right there to help.
Reverse Pull Headgears
The facemask appliance, also known as reverse pull headgear, is a type of growth modification appliance. Its primary use is for children that have deficient upper jaw growth that has resulted in an underbite.
The orthodontic appliance runs across the roof of the mouth and attaches to rubber bands that extend forward out of the mouth and attach to the part that rests on the face. Typically facemasks are worn in the evenings and while the patient is asleep. If worn consistently, a gentle force from the rubber bands pulls the upper jaw and teeth forward to a more balanced and functional position. Facemasks are generally well received by children and comfortable. Occasionally the felt pads may need to be replaced to provide additional cushion on the chin or forehead.
FORSUS
At Smile City Orthodontics, Dr.Jacob offers FORSUS appliance to fix your Childs teeth. This type of treatment is used if patient struggles with a severe overjet or for patients who may not prefer elastics. The Forsus appliance is non-removable and functions similar to an elastic. They are usually recommended to promote growth of the lower jaw, eliminates severe overjet, overbite, and improves the bite. This type of treatment is usually advised when the child is still growing and thus potentially eliminating jaw surgery in the future.
How does the FORSUS appliance look? The appliance consists of a metal spring that is attached to the upper molar bands and connects to the lower wire. The springs are on each side of the mouth and they are compressed springs which will move your jaw to a forward position thus improving your bite.
How long do they stay in the mouth? They are mostly recommended to be in mouth along with your braces between 9-12 months. The time interval is dependent on how severe your Childs bite is. Dr.Jacob will ensure the springs are not loose and functioning properly during regular adjustment appointments.
Do I experience discomfort with the appliance? Just like your braces, there will be minor discomfort until your mouth adjusts. Most patients feel better within a week following which you should be able to speak and eat without any discomfort. If there is any emergency appointment such as loose springs, we are here to help. Please call our emergency number and we will be right there to help.
Orthopedic Treatment at Smile City Orthodontics
At Smile City Orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive orthopedic treatment to help our patients achieve optimal oral health and facial harmony. Our approach focuses on early intervention and guided development to address structural imbalances, ensuring that every patient receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs. If you or a loved one are considering orthopedic treatment, we encourage you to reach out to our expert team to explore the best options available. We look forward to being part of your journey to a healthier, happier smile!
We know how scary and nerve-racking visiting the orthodontist can be, especially for the first time. Our team is here through the tedious parts, like filling out paperwork and sorting out everything with your insurance. We want your visits to go as smoothly as possible.
Because of this, we work hard to offer our patients a welcoming and comfortable office. We also have a wonderful staff dedicated to helping you and giving you a good visit every time that you step foot through our doors.
Before you come in, please feel free to ask any of our staff members questions or voice your concerns. We want to make sure that you are comfortable before you even come into our office.
We can send you all required paperwork so you can save time by filling everything out at home, if you choose. During your appointment, our staff will be attentive and ready to answer any questions. We will do everything we can to ensure you have a good visit. For more information or to request an appointment, contact us today at (214) 663-9144. CONTACT US
