Ortho 101
Your Path to a Radiant Smile
Discover when to consult an orthodontist for early intervention, explore treatment options for every age, find solutions for at-home discomfort, learn how to maintain proper oral hygiene with braces, get advice on retention, make smart dietary choices, and understand the advantages of rapid palatal expanders. PT Orthodontics is here to guide and support you throughout your journey.
Unlock Your Perfect Smile
A Guide to Orthodontic Care
Explore everything you need to know about orthodontic care, from early detection to dietary tips, and rely on PT Orthodontics in Leeds to guide you on your journey to a lifetime of confident, radiant smiles.
When To See an Orthodontist?
We’re here to address your questions and concerns. Whether you’re dealing with misaligned teeth, bite issues, or other changes in your mouth and jaw, we can diagnose and treat the root causes. Early intervention is particularly advantageous for children, and we recommend their first orthodontic visit between ages 6 and 8. Adults can also achieve outstanding results with our effective and often more discreet treatment options. Beyond enhancing your smile, orthodontic care at PT Orthodontics in Leeds promotes long-term dental health. We’re here to support you every step of the way on your orthodontic journey.
Early Treatment
At PT Orthodontics in Leeds, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional orthodontic care for children. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic screening by age 7 to monitor their growth and detect any bite irregularities. Treatment usually begins between ages 9 and 14, leveraging the natural development of the jaw. We specialize in correcting common orthodontic issues such as crossbites, overcrowding, protruding teeth, and underbites. Additionally, we proactively address childhood habits like thumb-sucking and mouth breathing to prevent long-term complications, supporting your child’s dental health and overall well-being while often reducing the need for more complex treatments in the future.
Adolescent Treatment
At PT Orthodontics in Leeds, we are proud to serve adult patients in the area. In fact, over a quarter of our patients are adults! Don’t let age hold you back from achieving the smile you’ve always wanted. Say goodbye to self-consciousness and hello to a more confident you. Our specialists are here to address your unique concerns and enhance your overall quality of life. We offer a variety of treatment options tailored to your preferences, including traditional metal braces, subtle clear ceramic braces, and convenient removable clear aligners.
Adult Treatment
We cater to adults in Leeds and beyond, with over a quarter of our patients being adults. Don’t let age hold you back from the smile you’ve always wanted. Say goodbye to embarrassment and hello to a confident new you. Our specialists can help address your unique needs, improving your quality of life. Choose from traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, or removable clear aligners, each offering advantages to suit your preferences and needs.
Expert Orthodontic Care for Every Age
With years of experience, our team has helped patients of all ages achieve healthy, beautiful smiles through personalized orthodontic care.
Treating Discomfort at Home
If you’re feeling slight discomfort from braces, check for any protruding or misaligned wires. You can gently reposition the wire onto the bracket or use fingernail clippers to trim any sharp edges. Tweezers may also help guide a loose wire back into place. To ease irritation from cheek sores or cuts, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. For any serious orthodontic emergency, call us at (205) 699-6244.
Brushing & Flossing with Braces
Maintaining great oral hygiene is crucial during orthodontic treatment. With braces, using specialized toothbrushes and flossing tools to clean around wires and brackets is essential. Brushing after every meal and flossing daily helps prevent tooth decay and gum issues. Regular visits to your orthodontist at PT Orthodontics will ensure your oral health stays on track throughout your treatment.
Retention
Maintaining Your Beautiful Smile: At PT Orthodontics, serving Leeds and the surrounding communities, we often see patients years after treatment with smiles just as stunning as the day their braces were removed. No matter your orthodontic treatment, our expert team will design a personalized retention plan to keep your teeth perfectly aligned. Since teeth can gradually shift over time, wearing a retainer is key to preserving your smile. To keep your retainer clean and fresh, gently brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush or soak it in denture cleaner or alcohol-free mouthwash.
Foods to Avoid
Here are some helpful tips for caring for your braces: Protect your braces by avoiding hard, sticky, and sugary foods, which can lead to damage and tooth decay. Refrain from habits like nail biting and chewing on pens or pencils. Avoid sticky foods like gum, licorice, toffee, and caramels, as these can easily damage your braces. Hard foods such as ice, nuts, and whole apples or carrots should also be avoided. Enjoy sugary treats in moderation, and limit sugary drinks to once a day. Be sure to regularly inspect your braces for any issues, such as bent or loose wires and brackets. If you notice any problems, contact PT Orthodontics promptly for repairs.
