Fairlington Dental

There are a lot of good reasons to consider orthodontics. Using functional appliances (active retainers), Invisalign, or a combination, we can help improve the overall health of your teeth and gums. Properly aligned teeth and jaws can also help you chew better, prevent some serious dental problems in the future and improve your smile.

A healthy, beautiful smile does more than make you attractive; it can give you confidence in both your personal and professional life. Straight teeth can really make a difference and make you feel a lot better about yourself. If you would like more information about orthodontics please feel free to contact our office and set up an appointment for a complimentary consultation.

The International Association of Orthodontics has certified Dr. Rogers. Their goal is to prevent unnecessary extractions of permanent teeth and to provide a healthy relationship between the upper and lower jaws. This can prevent and sometimes correct TMJ problems.

Some examples of the appliances we use to help children’s jaws grow properly:

Important Information for our patients with orthodontic appliances: The initial adjustment period for both removable and fixed appliances can be a little difficult, so here are some tips to help you through:

• Speaking may be difficult the first few days, but it usually only takes 3-4 days for things to return to normal. It may be helpful to read aloud at home to speed up the process.
• Swallowing will be different in the beginning. This is because the tongue can’t make contact with the roof of the mouth, which is how your brain knows it’s time to swallow. Often, your tongue and brain will adapt to the new appliance in a matter of hours, but in some cases it may take up to a week. Therefore, it is very important to find foods, which are easy to eat during this time.
• Most of the time you will need to eat with your appliance in place. Please avoid sticky food in the beginning, until your tongue adapts to the new appliance. Try soft foods such as mashed potatoes, noodles, and soup and be sure to drink plenty of water with the first few meals. Most people find it helpful to take a small sip of water to help them swallow, especially in the beginning.
• If food does get stuck in the appliance, it is very important to clean it. If the appliance is removable, simply go to the restroom, remove the appliance and rinse it with tap water. It is OK to brush the appliance with a toothbrush, and to use cleaning tablets if desired. If the appliance is fixed, vigorously swish water around in your mouth until the food is washed away. We find a water pik will be very helpful for fixed appliances.
• It is normal for there to be some irritation from the wires and brackets on functional appliances; however, if the sore spot is causing pain, an ulcer, or lasts more than 3 days, please call our office for an adjustment. Warm salt water rinses (1 tablespoon salt in a glass of hot water) several times a day will bring some relief.
• In some cases, a gap may develop between your front teeth. This is normal, and the space will close later.