Why Retainers Matter

Posted on Feb 19, 2015

After you’ve successfully completed your orthodontic treatment at our Richmond and Port Coquitlam orthodontist office, the next step is getting fitted for a retainer to maintain your new straight smile and to avoid complications or additional orthodontic treatment.

What are Retainers? 

Orthodontic retainers can be either removable or fixed appliances that are placed on your teeth after you are finished with orthodontic treatment. Retainers are typically made of metal and plastic and are typically fixed behind your teeth.

How Often Do I Need to Wear my Retainer? 

Generally, removable retainers are worn 20-22 hours a day for the first few months after orthodontic treatment. If your orthodontist at HGS Ortho advises it, you may continue to wear your retainer only at night. Your retainer could also be permanently bonded to your teeth.

Why is a Retainer Necessary? 

Teeth have a tendency to shift position, especially with jaw growth or age, so it’s important to take tooth movement into consideration when finishing orthodontic treatment. Tooth movement may in fact undo all the hard work you’ve put into straightening your teeth.

If you have any questions about retainers or orthodontic treatment in general, please don’t hesitate to contact our Richmond and Port Coquitlam orthodontist clinic for more information or to book your orthodontic treatment appointment.

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Crooked Teeth and Your Oral Health

Posted on Feb 12, 2015

Everyone wants a straight smile, but if you were born with crooked teeth, or if they have become crooked over time, there are always options to straighten out crooked teeth – no matter what age you are.

Crooked teeth are a very common problem found in orthodontist patients, even at our Richmond orthodontic practice. Your teeth can become crooked for a variety of reasons, but the most common are:

  • Loss of a tooth or teeth, which creates spaces towards which other teeth may shift.
  • Excessive thumb-sucking, which can cause open bites and misalignment of the front teeth.
  • Genetics, meaning that crooked teeth may run in the family.

Crooked teeth aren’t just a cosmetic concern; teeth that don’t align properly are more susceptible to damage (chips, cracks, wear) and can cause oral health problems that run the gamut from cavities, decay and gum disease to painful chewing, muscle tension and TMJ.

You can prevent crooked teeth with orthodontic screenings (done at age seven) that will allow your Port Coquitlam orthodontist to detect and correct oral health issues early on, and oral appliances that will ensure straight permanent teeth.

It’s never too late to fix crooked teeth. Contact HGS Ortho in Richmond and Port Coquitlam a call and give yourself a great reason to smile.

 

 

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Invisible Braces and Adult Orthodontics at HGS Ortho

Posted on Feb 5, 2015

Now more than ever, adults are straightening their smiles with Invisalign, thanks to the latest advancements in hidden braces technology. At HGS Ortho, your Port Coquitlam orthodontist, adult braces have become one of our most requested dental procedures.

In a recent survey by Invisalign, 74% of women and men in North America believe that a beautiful smile will help to get a better job, while 84% of the survey participants felt an attractive smile would improve their love lives. Many adults who choose to straighten their teeth later in life choose Invisalign treatment as an option. It’s a great option for those who do not want others to notice their orthodontic treatment. Invisalign invisible braces are a great way for achieving an ideal smile for patients in Port Coquitlam and Richmond, BC.

However, while most cases are treatable by Invisalign, some orthodontic problems are only fixed with traditional braces. For smile-conscious patients, there are clear ceramic brackets or metal brackets to help make these braces less-noticeable.

Regardless of your orthodontic issues, the team at Richmond orthodontist HGS Ortho are always ready to help you achieve a beautiful smile with the adult orthodontics treatments that suit you.

For more information about adult braces or Invisalign, please contact our HGS Ortho team of orthodontic experts at HGS Ortho today.

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Orthognatic Surgery: Treating Your Jaw Problems

Posted on Jan 29, 2015

Braces can generally treat all of your tooth/jaw issues, but if you have severe jaw problems you may require orthognathic (jaw) surgery. Learn the facts about orthognathic surgery from your Richmond and Port Coquitlam orthodontist, HGS Ortho.

If your upper and lower jaws don’t overlap properly, you may have problems chewing. speaking, or resting well at night. These kind of problems are common in people with underbites, overbites, bites that are open or crossbites. The Port Coquiltam and Richmond orthodontic team at HGS Ortho can shift your jaw into the proper position through a combination of orthognathic surgery and orthodontic treatment.

Orthognathic surgery is ideal for individuals who have any problems with their bite. Under bites and prominent lower jaws can be fixed with surgery to give you a more appealing smile.

Contact HGS Ortho today if you have any questions about orthognathic surgery or if you would like to book an appointment.

 

 

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Invisalign Braces: How Do They Work

Posted on Jan 22, 2015

Many dental patients are curious about Invisalign braces and are constantly asking the dental team about Invisalign braces and how they work. As a preferred provider of Invisalign braces, we here at HGS Ortho want to keep our dental patients informed, outlining the Invisalign treatment and the decision process.

So, how do they work?

Invisalign braces work with cutting edge, 3-D technology, the dental team at HGS Ortho will create custom-made, clear aligners for your teeth and create a treatment plan specifically catered to you. You will wear each set of aligners for approximately two weeks, which will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place. After the specified time, you can start the next series of aligners until treatment is complete and your smile is straight!

Invisalign braces have many advantages to the traditional braces that have been used by orthodontics for years. Unlike metal braces, the only time you may feel some minor discomfort is around the time you receive and put on a new aligner. A bit of force on your teeth is normal and is actually a good sign that Invisalign braces are doing their job.

The advantages of Invisalign

Due to the fact that Invisalign braces are clear, another great advantage of these invisible braces is that no one will know that you’re even wearing them. In addition, you will be able to eat as normal during your treatment because Invisalign aligners are completely removable. It’s simple: Remove your aligners before you eat, floss or brush your teeth, and then put them back in when you’re done.

To ensure that Invisalign works for you, always wear your Invisalign braces for the whole day–except when you briefly take them out to eat, brush or floss.

At the beginning of treatment, some patients at HGS Ortho experience a slight lisp. However, after a day or two your tongue will get used to the aligners, resulting in your speech going back to normal. To maintain good oral health during Invisalign treatment, brush and rinse your aligners in lukewarm water daily to get rid of any food particles or bacteria.

Visit the dental team at HGS Ortho every 4-6 weeks so we can check on how you are progressing with your Invisalign Braces. Our dental team works to create a unique schedule organized just for you to give you the individual treatment plan that works for you.

If you would like more information about Invisalign braces and how they work, or to book a consultation appointment at HGS Ortho please contact us today.

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Braces: Common Problems And Quick Fixes

Posted on Jan 15, 2015

Some problems with braces can have you waiting until your next appointment with Richmond orthodontist HGS Ortho, while other issues may require you to call us so that we can try to squeeze you in for a quick appointment to fix the problem. Keeping a few home remedies in mind for easily solvable common braces issues as well as recognizing when you’ll need to contact HGS Ortho, can help you know what to do if you have a problem.

If the ends of your braces’ wires become loose from your teeth shifting, they may cause irritation in your mouth. The first thing to try is a cotton swab. Most often, placing one end of a cotton swab against the loosened wire to move it back can help keep it from irritating your mouth. If this isn’t successful in helping you solve this common braces problem, you could try using tweezers to gently grasp and move the wire back in place. If the wire is still protruding uncomfortably, place a pea-sized ball of cotton or wax at the wire’s end to keep it from causing you further mouth irritation. If your loose braces’ wire problem persists, call the receptionist at HGS Ortho to make an appointment.

If an elastic on your braces breaks,  call our Port Coquitlam orthodontic office to see if we need to have you come in to have it quickly replaced or wait until your next appointment to replace it. In the case of a broken bracket, which commonly occurs if the braces are played with or if the bracket catches on hard or sticky foods, you can usually just bring it to your next appointment at HGS Ortho. If, however, a loose bracket is still attached to your braces, you can try covering it with wax paper to make it feel more comfortable. It’s important to remember not to use headgear with loose brackets. If a band becomes unglued from your braces, save the band and call our office so that you can come in for a quick recementing before the space for the band closes up. If you experience any pain or discomfort due to any braces problems, contact HGS Ortho immediately.

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Taking care of Your Smile after Invisalign Treatment

Posted on Jan 8, 2015

Now that you’ve done a great deal of work with HGS Ortho to get your best possible smile, you’re probably wondering what to do next. You’ve used your Invisalign aligner trays and taken care of your teeth, and now your treatment is done.! The thing is…you still have to care for your teeth to keep your stunning smile. Keep these things in mind when you think about your daily dental care regimen.

Routine Dental Checkups
You still need to have routine dental exams. Professional cleanings and X-rays make sure that both your teeth and gums remain healthy so you can keep your teeth for life. They can be taken care of quickly if tooth cavities or other issues are discovered.

Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing must be part of your daily oral care. Your gums could be more sensitive for a week or 2 after your orthodontic work is completed. Your teeth might be somewhat delicate for a short time. If your teeth are stained, an expert bleaching treatment can be considered.

Retainers
Many clients require a retainer after Invisalign treatment. This will be based upon your special situation. Use it as directed if a retainer is advised by the team at Port Coquitlam orthodontist HGS Ortho to avoid your teeth from moving back into their original position. You must also stay clear of hard, crispy foods for the very first few weeks as your teeth adjust. For younger clients, retainers are typically utilized till the wisdom teeth have come in or are extracted.

If you have any questions about the best ways to look after your teeth after your Richmond Invisalign program, kindly ask our HGS Ortho team. We desire you to keep your healthy smile and delight in the outcomes of your Invisalign treatment.

Contact us today!

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