Extraction vs. Non-Extraction Therapy

One of the advantages of obtaining orthodontic care for your child while they are still young is that we can take steps to ensure that their permanent teeth have plenty of room when they replace the baby teeth. Orthodontists will either choose extraction or non-extraction therapy to accomplish this.

  To read about the advantages and disadvantages of Extraction therapy, please continue reading the article HERE.  To learn more about this topic, or to talk to one of our doctors about braces, please contact Cronauer & Angelakis Orthodontists.

Tips For Wearing Rubber Bands

Although the brackets are the most noticeable part of your braces, the rubber bands are one of the most important components. These rubber bands are vital tools in applying force to your teeth to move them into proper alignment. If you don’t follow the directions for wearing them, you could actually extend the time that you have to wear braces. Although, we’d love to see more of you, we think getting you a beautiful smile as fast as possible is the higher priority.

• 1.      Wear them for the recommend amount of time each day. Although wearing them longer the next day to compensate for not wearing them enough the day before may seem like a good idea, this will only cause you additional discomfort without moving your teeth any closer to their proper alignment.
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• 2.       If anything breaks or prevents you from wearing them properly, call us immediately to schedule an appointment.
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• 3.      Always carry extra bands with you when you’re not at home in case one breaks or gets lost following a meal.
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• 4.      Don’t run out of bands! We have plenty at our office. When you find yourself running low swing by to pick up some more.
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• 5.      Change them regularly. The longer you wear them the more stretched out they become. A loose band will not work properly.
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Although we wish we could do all of the steps necessary to help you achieve your new smile ourselves, we can’t be with you 24 hours a day. By taking responsibility for your part of the treatment, together we can ensure that you won’t have to wear your braces a day longer than necessary. If you still have questions about wearing your bands, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Call today!

Who Benefits From Invisalign?

For many of our patients, Invisalign clear aligners have been a dream come true. They love that they can wear braces that are practically invisible and still get a gorgeous smile. The fact that you can take them out while eating or brushing your teeth just makes them even better. Ideally, everyone would be able to benefit from them; but not all patients are candidates. 

To read more about how we select candidates for Invisalign, and to see if they might be the way for you to straighten your teeth, please visit our website!

Who Should You See? Orthodontist or Dentist?

Orthodontist vs Dentist

So many people are confused about the difference between an orthodontist and a regular dentist. Both of them are doctors who deal with teeth, so what is the difference between them?  READ MORE...  to make an educated decision about which doctor to see with your dental problems.

All About Lingual Braces

At Cronauer & Angelakis Orthodontics we are proud that we are in a position to offer a wide range of orthodontic treatments to our patients. One of the specialist treatments that we as orthodontists offer at our practice is lingual braces. We care about our patients, so we have successfully completed the extra training to be able to offer this treatment, and we also attend the continuing education courses in your best interest.

What Are Lingual Braces?

So; what are lingual braces? Well – the word ‘lingual’ means “of or pertaining to the tongue”, so lingual braces are little blocks affixed next to your tongue - on the inside of your teeth. Lingual braces are also sometimes called hidden braces for this reason.

Some teenagers who are going through adolescence are very conscious of their appearance. Others just don’t want anything ‘to cramp their style’! All the same, there are adults who are often in the public eye and who do not want the attention of others to be focused on their teeth rather than on the important things that they are busy with. Lingual braces are ideal for these individuals.

How Are They Placed?

Generally lingual orthodontics will apply to the top teeth. If the braces are used for the bottom jaw, they will however be placed on the outside of the bottom teeth. This is fine though because our bottom teeth are not as visible! Although these braces are not suitable for people who have extreme bite problems or very small teeth, they are perfect for those who enjoy playing sports and the musical ones among us who play wind instruments!

About The Treatment Process

The treatment duration with lingual braces is the same as with normal braces. The results are as impressive as with normal braces too, but appointments take a little longer. They are also more expensive, but there are very good reasons for both – and the benefits are so worth your time and the cost involved!

Fitting lingual braces is a more complicated and technical procedure, and we do not rush it. The brackets themselves cost more than traditional braces because custom-made things always involve higher fees. Also, very specialist equipment is used to make the braces that will eventually reward you with a huge confident smile! Specialized technology such as CAD/CAM and robotic wire technologies are used to make the braces that will sort out your individual, specific needs.

Are you ready to smile bigger and wider? Go ahead and call us then, or drop in at our friendly offices to make an appointment!