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Monthly Archives: May 2019
What Are Retainers For
After you receive braces or orthodontic care, it is important that you maintain your new smile. While the common ways of maintenance such as brushing and flossing are important, there is another significant factor that solely relates to those who have had braces. This is known as a retainer. Retainers are plastic or metal pieces that you slip over the teeth in your mouth. This will keep your teeth properly spaced and aligned after they’re in their ideal location in the mouth. While this is the most common reason for using a retainer, it is not the only reason. For a list of reasons, you should consider using a retainer, read through the list below.
Maintain Dental Alignment
As mentioned previously, one of the most common reasons for retainers is to keep your teeth straight and in place after you receive your orthodontic care. These are introduced in the later stages of your treatment after your braces have been removed. After removing braces, teeth have a natural tendency to drift. This is because there is no force or pull that is keeping your teeth in that placement. To keep your teeth straight, retainers are used to maintain the shape. If you forgo the use of a retainer, it is probable that your teeth will shift and then all of the time and money you put into your treatment will have been a waste.
Reduce Chances of Diabetes
One less known reason that wearing a retainer is beneficial is because it could lower the chances of you getting diabetes. The American Diabetes Association states a correlation between retainers and diabetes. This is because the condition of your mouth and dental health can encourage diabetes due to how you care for your teeth. Those who care for their teeth more and properly, which can be seen in the use of a retainer, are at less risk because they have positive oral health. The better care taken of the mouth, the less a chance of diabetes you’ll have.
Get Used to Retainers
Retainers may take time to get used to, so it’s important that you work to get used to wearing one whenever your orthodontist states you must. Statistically, it takes at least 21 days to form a habit, and some people may even require more time. This means that you must remind yourself consistently to wear your retainer.
Some helpful ways could be by leaving notes on your nightstand, keeping your retainer in the same spot every day, and keeping the retainer in your mouth without playing with it or fiddling with it. This will make the task seem more natural, eventually forming into a habit.
Get a Retainer
To be fitted for a retainer, orthodontists here at Manhattan Family Orthodontics can help you out. We are a top orthodontic location in all of New York City and can therefore provide you with the best care you could ask for. When you’re here, we will discuss all of your options and make sure you’re aware of everything the process requires. You’ll be in great hands throughout the whole process. Schedule an appointment with us today for the best teeth of your life!
Pediatric Dentistry
Teeth are one of the most difficult, yet beneficial parts of the body to care for. Great oral health starts from a young age. This means if healthy patterns are developed when younger, especially in terms of oral care, you’ll be less likely to have dental issues in the future. Because of this, you should always consider taking your child to a pediatric dentist when they’re young. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, it’s never too early to visit a pediatric dentist, as they can help your children form vital habits and understand how to properly care for their oral health at a young age. The better children are aware of the importance of their clean, aligned teeth, the better they’ll be in the future.
When Should I Take My Child?
There are many different ideas about when a parent or guardian should first take their child to visit a pediatric dentist. The best response, though, is as soon as their first tooth grows. Many parents find visiting the dentist with their baby can even help how their teeth grow in and allow both parents and dentists to monitor their child’s dental progress. This means they can catch any kind of discrepancies or issues within the oral health of your baby as soon as possible.
Additionally, if you take your baby to a pediatric dentist before the age of one, it is likely your child will feel less anxiety than they would if you wait until they’re older to visit a dentist. There are plenty of reasons that your child will benefit from a pediatric dentist. Let’s take a look!
Benefits of a Pediatric Dentist
If you bring your child to a pediatric dentist, it is likely they will significantly benefit from the experience which will be seen throughout their oral health over time. During your experience, you can expect a pediatric dentist to help you and your children understand how to perform the best dental and oral care for them, including the proper ways to brush and floss.
Additionally, you’ll be able to discuss what methods of oral care will most benefit your child. This can include the use of fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash, how to properly care for teething pain, and even how the foods eaten result in tooth strength. One great aspect about a pediatric dentist is they can identify how your child’s teeth are growing and help determine whether or not they may benefit from receiving braces. From here, they can refer you to a great orthodontist.
Need an Orthodontist?
If you brought your child to an orthodontist and they’ve determined your child will need braces in the future, schedule an appointment with us at Manhattan Family Orthodontics. As one of the best orthodontists in New York City, we can help your child achieve the best oral spacing possible and allow their teeth to grow in as straight as can be.
Don’t wait until your child ages and receives oral issues due to misaligned teeth or other various dental problems and bring them to see us today!