Braces work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to the teeth. The pressure causes teeth to move slowly into the desired position. Elastics, or rubber bands, are used in some cases to create additional pressure to move your teeth. By wearing the elastic rubber bands consistently, you will keep your treatment on track.
The Purpose of Elastics
Rubber bands stretch over tiny loops on the top and bottom brackets. These elastics will apply the steady pressure needed to guide your teeth into the correct position. However, for them to work you need to wear them consistently – every day – as directed by Dr. Douglas Barden.
You will also need to replace the elastics on your braces every day. It is also common for elastics to break and need to be replaced. In some cases, patients will need to remove the elastics during meals if it is difficult to open their mouth wide enough to eat.Our staff will teach you how to replace your elastics.
Important things to remember
Keep extra rubber bands on hand so that you can replace them if one breaks. Let us know if you run out and need more. Give us a call or stop by our Whitefish Bay office to pick up some more!
Rubber bands might cause your teeth to be tender or sore. This is due to your teeth moving and means that treatment is working! The tenderness only lasts for a day or two.
Remember to wash your hands before removing or replacing the rubber bands.
Show your creativity! Pick colors that you love to show your unique personality.
Be Sure to Change your Elastics as Directed by Dr. Barden
Wearing elastics consistently is important for the treatment to progress on schedule. However, do not double up on elastics as this will cause too much pressure and can harm the root of the tooth. Be sure to follow Dr. Barden’s instructions!
If you forget to wear the rubber bands one day, just be sure to put them in the next day. But do not “double up” on the elastics to “make up” for the missed day.
Don’t overstretch the rubber band or it will lose its strength and it be ineffective. If your rubber bands have “lost their stretch” replace them even if they have not broken.
For treatment to be most effective (and on schedule!) follow Dr. Barden’s instructions, wear the elastics faithfully, and keep your appointments. Be sure to ask Dr. Barden and his team if you have any questions about your elastics.
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Do you have questions about your teeth, orthodontic treatment, or general dental health? Dr. Douglas Barden is always willing to answer your questions! Talking, in person, with your health care provider is the best way to get accurate answers to your questions.
We understand that sometimes you have a question and look to the Internet to get answers. It’s important that you look at websites that are written by experts so that you are confident in the accuracy of the information. That is why at Barden Orthodontics we have put together an extensive set of information and resources on our website to give you an answer to many frequently asked questions. Click on any of the following to learn more about:
You can find new, helpful information in our monthly blog
Are you looking for more information about dental health? Dr. Barden recommends the following websites:
The American Association of Orthodontists has helpful blogs and information regarding orthodontic treatment. This is the premier, professional association for Orthodontists, of which Dr. Douglas Barden is a member.
The American Dental Association hosts an online resource about general dental health. This is a great resource for your general dental questions.
The Wisconsin Dental Association also provides general dental resources, as well as blogs about dental health topics relevant to Wisconsin residents.
Reading online information can be a helpful first step, however, it is always important to ask your questions in person, during an exam with a trained medical professional. The best information is from a medical professional who is familiar with your unique treatment plan and health history. Internet information should never replace a thorough examination from a trained dentist. Be careful to never diagnose or self-treat a potential medical problem.
At Barden Orthodontics we offer new patients a complimentary consultation at our Whitefish Bay, WI office. We will carefully review your dental information and outline your orthodontic treatment options. We want all patients to be knowledgeable about treatment options and feel comfortable with the final treatment plan. Ask Dr. Douglas Barden or any of his team members if you have any questions!
Happy October! For those who don't know, it’s National Orthodontic Health Month.
Our team realizes that this month-long event is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists and other dental professionals.
To avoide orthodontic emergencies, our team recommends that patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:
Avoiding the above will help ensure that you don't encounter any unwanted orthodontic issues! If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook, or ask our team during your visit this month!
Did you know one in every five orthodontic patients is an adult? We’re living longer and technology is improving, making orthodontic treatment an appealing and safe option for patients of all ages. As the trend toward treatment later in life grows, we’re seeing braces on parents as well as children – and even adult celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Gwen Stefani and Nicholas Cage have shown off their braces. It’s never too late to look and feel your best!
Can Braces Work for Adults?
People of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment. The physical process for moving teeth is the same, young or old, which means it’s never too late to address issues such as an overbite or underbite, crooked or crowded teeth, or jaw disorders.
How Do I Get Started?
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, we’ll make a consultation appointment with you. During this meeting we will perform a general assessment of your oral health, discuss options for treatment, and answer any questions you may have. We will also discuss matters of cost and insurance. The next step is an orthodontic records appointment in which we take x-rays, photos, and an impression of your teeth. This information drives your unique treatment plan.
What Are the Benefits?
Straightening your teeth can improve your smile, your self-esteem, and your dental health. Technologically advanced new treatments make it easier to identify the option that best fits your lifestyle. Modern techniques and materials have made braces and aligners more effective, comfortable and unobtrusive than ever.
If you think you might benefit from orthodontic treatment, give our team a call, so we may set up a consultation to determine what type of treatment best meets your needs.
Most parents know that routine dental care should begin during the toddler years. But many are unaware of when orthodontic treatment should begin. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the ideal age for an orthodontic evaluation is age seven or before, when children usually have a mixture of adult and baby teeth. Although treatment usually will not begin until one to five years after the initial evaluation, the evaluation is helpful in determining whether your child has any problems with emerging teeth -- regardless of how subtle.
Children have more formidable bone structures than teenagers and adults, and as they grow, orthodontic appliances can help guide jaw growth, which may prevent the development of an overbite or under-bite, as well as tooth crowding due to space limitations. Orthodontic treatment is also helpful for guiding newly emerging adult teeth into a proper alignment, which is not only aesthetically advantageous, but also helpful in preventing tooth decay.
Why Early Evaluation?
Taking your child to the orthodontist for an evaluation means that you may be able to identify problems with the jaw and teeth early when they are still easy to treat. Early treatment often equals a more simplified treatment plan, which is beneficial to both children and their parents. Often, earlier treatment can cost less to correct a problem than delayed treatment.
If a problem is detected, our team will discuss corrective options and provide a recommended treatment schedule. Depending on your child's orthodontic needs, he or she may benefit from:
• Palatial Spacers - Helpful for correcting a crossbite by expanding the width of the upper jaw.
• Fixed Functional Appliance - Helpful for correcting severe upper tooth protrusion.
• Headgear - Helpful for guiding healthy growth of new teeth and the jaw. Headgear is removable, but usually must be worn at least 10 hours per day.
If your child is approaching the age of seven, or has already surpassed his or her seventh birthday, it is time to schedule an appointment for an initial examination.
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