Your Oxnard Orthodontist Answers Your Questions

Children should see an orthodontist for an evaluation by age seven. In some cases, phase one of treatment can start soon after that. Other children don’t need treatment until their teen years.

Invisalign^Ⓡ is typically best for teens and adults. Talk to your Oxnard orthodontist for more information.

To floss around your braces, you’ll need floss threaders. Your Oxnard orthodontic team will demonstrate how to use them. A Waterpik can help remove food debris around brackets. Brush daily (with an electric toothbrush if possible).

Gently clean clear aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush, warm water, and clear, delicate (non-abrasive) soap every morning.

Avoid crunchy, hard, or sticky food. These foods can damage brackets and archwires. They can also aggravate sore or sensitive teeth.

It would be wise, too, to reduce the consumption of sugary foods and beverages. Doing so will help you to avoid excess plaque and bacteria buildup and the potential for decay.

These restrictions can apply to anyone undergoing orthodontic treatment in Oxnard, including Invisalign^Ⓡ patients.

Call Orthodontics of Oxnard right away. Failing to address an emergency can stall the progress of your treatment.

If you experience any of the following, contact us immediately.

• A loose or broken bracket
• A broken archwire
• Your archwire feels loose
• Food caught in between your teeth, under your gum line, or between a bracket and the archwire
• A broken ligature band (rubber band)
• Mouth sores
• Swollen gums
• Swollen jaw
• Bleeding
• Trauma to the face or mouth

For the most part, no. Some people experience some soreness for the first couple of days after getting braces or an adjustment. The same can be said of Invisalign^Ⓡ patients. The teeth and gums become sore as they are gently shifted into their new positions.

Ibuprofen and ice can help, as can sticking to a soft diet.

Malocclusion is when your teeth aren’t correctly aligned. This can result in crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth.

Multiple factors, including the following, cause poor occlusion.

• Whether your teeth are too large or small for your mouth
• Misalignment of your upper and lower jaw
• The size and shape of your jawbones

Types of malocclusions include:

• Crossbite
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Open bite

Crowded teeth are one of the most common orthodontic issues. It is the result of the jawbones not being the right shape or size to support the teeth adequately. In addition to orthodontic treatment, some patients may need some extractions and jaw surgery to achieve proper occlusion.

Typically, treatment can last between one to two years. How quickly you finish orthodontic treatment in Oxnard depends on your level of malocclusion and any other complications.

It depends on the type of treatment you receive. On average, patients come in every four to 10 weeks. Your orthodontist will tell you how often you should come in and why.

Everyone who engages in sports should wear a sports mouth guard, whether undergoing orthodontic treatment or not. Talk to your Oxnard orthodontist about getting a special sports guard for braces.

Absolutely. In fact, seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and exams will be an essential part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic experience. Visit your dentist for a cleaning every six months.