Caring for your pre-teen and teens Teeth
While your child should still be brushing their teeth twice a day, eating healthy food, and flossing daily, it is now time they pay a visit to an orthodontist once they turn 7. An orthodontist has two to three years of advanced orthodontic education and training beyond dental school. He or she specializes in straightening teeth, correcting misaligned bites, and jaw problems.
Orthodontics
Orthodontists offer a variety of services. Braces are the primary means for straightening teeth and correcting misaligned bites in children.The braces may consist of bands, wires, and other fixed or removable corrective appliances. Braces work by applying pressure to the teeth and jaws to move them into a desired attractive position.
At the Smilist, we have orthodontist that specialize in invisalign. Invisalign is another method that straightens your teeth using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth and are easy to clean. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete.
Health tips for Braces
Good oral hygiene is extra important when considering braces. Food and plaque can get trapped in the tiny spaces between braces and wires, causing decay and enamel stains.You should brush your teeth after every meal and use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss (available at drug stores) at least once a day to clean between braces and under wires. Sweets, soda and other sugary and starchy foods should be avoided because it can promote tooth decay and gum disease. Sticky and chewy foods should be avoided as well because it can stick to braces and be difficult to remove.
Looking for an Orthodontist?
The Smilist offices have an orthodontist at each of our 8 locations throughout Queens, Nassau and Suffolk County. Visit your local Smilist and book your appointment today at www.thesmilist.com! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook,Snapchat, and Instagram @thesmilist.
The Smilist 