The Retention Deficit 

/in , , /by

Ensuring the long-term stability of a corrected bite requires a deep understanding of how bone and soft tissues heal following active movement. Richards & Associates Orthodontics addresses the clinical reality of tooth relapse with specialized retention protocols tailored to the unique needs of Fort Myers patients.

Patients often believe that the day their braces are removed marks the final stage of their dental journey. This perspective overlooks the biological process of therapeutic retention, the necessary phase for stabilizing teeth while the supporting bone hardens. Clinical studies indicate that periodontal ligaments possess a memory that can pull teeth back toward their original positions. Our practice utilizes digitally assisted movement data to create custom retainers that counteract these natural forces. By wearing these devices as directed, you protect the skeletal and dental alignment achieved during your active treatment phase.

Consistently wearing a retainer is the only biological safeguard against the natural tendency of teeth to shift over time.

The Biological Necessity of Mandibular Adaptation

Maintaining the position of the lower arch involves a complex process of mandibular adaptation. The lower teeth are often the first to show signs of crowding if the retention protocol is ignored. We provide custom Vivera and Essix solutions that deliver a precise fit, preventing even a millimeter of movement. This high science approach ensures that the occlusal precision established by our doctors remains intact. Because the jaw continues to change slightly as we age, a lifelong commitment to retention is the gold standard for a permanent result.

Common Questions About The Retention Deficit

How long will I really need to wear a retainer? Teeth remain dynamic throughout your entire life and will move if they are not supported. We recommend wearing your retainer every night indefinitely to ensure your smile stays exactly where we placed it.

Can my retainer be repaired if it cracks? Materials used for retainers can wear down over several years of nightly use. If you notice any damage or if the fit feels loose, please contact our office immediately for a digital replacement to avoid any relapse.

What happens if I forget to wear it for a few days? Small shifts can occur quickly and may make the retainer feel tight or uncomfortable when you put it back in. Putting the device back on as soon as possible is vital, but if it no longer fits, you will need a new scan to prevent further movement.

Schedule Your Retention Consultation in Fort Myers

Protect the investment you have made in your oral health by visiting our team. Our clinical staff at the Whiskey Creek location can provide digital scans for new, high-precision retainers. You may request an appointment through our website or by calling our Fort Myers office directly.

Palatal Expanders

Tips for Getting Braces as an Adult

/in /by

If you’re finally in a place where you can address your orthodontic concerns, or if your bite issues have caused health concerns that need to be addressed, then you might be facing the reality of braces as an adult. At Richards & Associates Orthodontics, we want you to know that this is a common issue for many adults, and the process doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are some tips to make it easy.

Know Your Options

If metal brackets are something you want to avoid, you have options. Clear brackets or Invisalign aligners can both give excellent results without the look of traditional braces. Talk to your orthodontist in Fort Myers, FL, or Cape Coral, FL, to learn more about your options.

Focus on the Goal

Focusing on the goal, your straight teeth, beautiful smile, and limited jaw pain, can help you get through some of the more frustrating parts of being an adult in braces. Have your eye on the prize, and you will be able to navigate the weeks ahead more easily.

Manage Your Pain

Taking an anti-inflammatory or over-the-counter pain medication before adjustment appointments can help limit the amount of discomfort you experience. It can hurt to move your teeth, but these measures will limit the discomfort as much as possible.

Keep Up with Oral Hygiene

Keep your teeth clean, both with at-home care and with regular routine visits. This will prevent the risk of staining. When your braces come off, your teeth will be straight and beautifully white.

Being an adult in braces is less uncommon than you might think, and the team at Richards & Associates Orthodontics, your orthodontist in Fort Myers, FL, and Cape Coral, FL, is here to help you navigate the process.

palet

3 Reasons to Go Ahead With Adult Braces

/in /by

If you’ve spent years wishing you had braces put on when you were a teen, your Cape Coral, FL orthodontist has got three great reasons why you should go ahead and get adult braces now. This isn’t something that’s only for other people. You, too, can enjoy a straighter, more attractive smile in less time than you probably think!

1. The Sooner You Do, the Sooner You’ll Get Results

It’s easy to put off something that isn’t going to bring you immediate results. Adult braces treatment in Cape Coral, FL will take a certain number of months. But those months are going to go by whether you get braces or not. The sooner you get your braces on, the sooner you’ll be able to see the results!

2. The Sooner You Get Braces, the Longer You’ll Have Beautiful Teeth!

The earlier you get your braces on, the longer the time period where you’ll get to have beautiful teeth. If you wait a month to get braces, that’s going to be one less month you can enjoy having a gorgeous smile!

3. More Adults Are Getting Them

In the past, there was admittedly a little bit of a stigma associated with adult braces. But now things have changed and having adult braces makes you look like a person who is proud of who they are and is willing to invest in improving their oral health and their appearance. In fact, you probably pass a person with adult braces in the grocery or on the street at least once a week.

There’s no time like the present to do something really great for yourself. Book an appointment with us today and let us show you how much your smile can benefit from adult braces.

dental-kids

Child in Braces? Check Out These Cleaning Tips

/in /by

Oral hygiene is essential during braces treatment, especially for children. Here are some practical tips from the team at Richards & Associates Orthodontics that will make oral hygiene more attainable.

1. Go Electric

Electric toothbrushes are more effective at reaching around braces, especially in younger patients who may not be good at maneuvering around the brackets in their mouths. The vibration of the electric toothbrush allows it to reach into crevices your child may miss. Electric toothbrushes still need to be used regularly and properly to effectively clean the teeth, but they help.

2. Get a Water Pick

A water pick is a tool that shoots strong streams of water into the teeth to perform a similar function to flossing, but without dental floss. Because flossing with braces is difficult for most people, especially kids, this can do the same job and help limit tartar buildup between the teeth during braces treatment. Your child may need help adjusting to the use of the water pick, but it can be a good option.

3. Keep Up with Dental Cleanings

Seeing your child’s dentist regularly for cleanings is vital during braces treatment. As your orthodontist in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, FL, Richards & Associates Orthodontics will partner with your child’s dentist to ensure good oral hygiene is in place. That said, even with the best at-home care, professional cleanings at least twice a month are essential.

4. Consider Invisalign

If your child struggles with oral hygiene, talk to our team about Invisalign as an option instead of braces. While oral hygiene will still be important, cleaning the teeth is easier without the presence of brackets, and many kids are excellent candidates for Invisalign.

Keeping your child’s teeth clean is essential as you start the process with an orthodontist in Fort Myers or Cape Coral, FL. We’re here to help however we can. Reach out to Richards & Associates Orthodontics for more tips on oral hygiene with braces.

3 Tips For Making Braces Fun For Kids

/in /by

It can be challenging to explain to your child that they need braces. And, since treatment often takes up to two years, it’s important that your child is on board with the treatment process. Taking care of teeth and gums with braces is a lot harder than without, so anything that parents can do to make things easier is well worth the effort. If your child needs braces in Cape Coral, FL, here are some tips for making them a lot more fun.

1. Give Them Special Plates

Your child’s orthodontist will give you a list of foods that your child should avoid with braces. To help with this, give your child a special plate at mealtimes at home. Make their plate extra appealing by cutting food into fun shapes or offering healthy treats that no one else at the table can have. This might make your child feel like they’re getting special treatment!

2. Gift Fancy Dental Tools

Present your child with their own set of special dental tools to aid in oral hygiene with braces. Ideas are:

  • water flosser
  • motorized toothbrush
  • disinfecting mouthwash in a great-tasting flavor

3. Take Before and After Pictures

Your child will feel proud of themselves after their braces are removed when they get to see their new and improved teeth. Help to make the moment even more meaningful by taking before and after pictures. On the day they’re getting braces put on, take some snaps at various angles. Then, on the happy day when braces come off, take the same angled shots, and compare the two.

Braces are challenging for kids, but with these helpful tips, maybe the process can be a little bit more enjoyable. For more tips about helping kids adjust to braces, contact your Cape Coral, FL orthodontist today.

A student with curly hair and braces smiles while standing in a school hallway, wearing a backpack and a peach-colored shirt.

Why Are the Teen Years Ideal For Braces?

/in /by

If you visit your orthodontist in Cape Coral, FL with your youngster, you may hear that they should wait a couple of years to get braces. While you may at first feel a little disappointed that you have to wait to get your child’s teeth alignment issues addressed, consider that it’s also good to have the extra time to prepare for the eventual treatment. Still, it’s helpful to understand why the teen years are considered ideal for braces.

Rapid Growth Enhances Treatment

During the teenage years, the body is still growing, including the jaw and facial bones. This natural growth makes it easier to guide teeth into their proper positions, resulting in more efficient orthodontic treatment. Working with this growth spurt often leads to faster and more effective outcomes.

Increased Sense of Responsibility

Teens are generally more likely to follow orthodontic instructions than younger children. Whether it’s wearing elastics, maintaining oral hygiene or avoiding certain foods, their ability to understand and follow guidelines really improves treatment success.

The Growing Period

Natural growth during the teen years makes it easier to guide teeth into their proper positions, resulting in more efficient orthodontic treatment. Working with this growth spurt often leads to faster and more effective outcomes.

Monitoring for Optimal Timing

Orthodontists often monitor younger children and recommend braces in Cape Coral, FL during the teenage years for optimal results. At this stage, most adult teeth have erupted, providing the ideal foundation for treatment. This timing ensures braces are both effective and necessary.

Preventing Long-Term Problems

Addressing alignment issues during adolescence prevents complications like uneven wear, jaw pain, or gum disease in adulthood. Investing in orthodontic care during the teen years sets the stage for lifelong oral health.

The teenage years provide the perfect combination of factors for effective orthodontic care. Contact us to learn more.

Young woman with curly hair and braces, wearing a yellow sweater, smiles and takes a selfie against a light blue background.

When to Alert Your Orthodontist With Braces Problems

/in , /by

Wearing braces isn’t without its snafus. It’s important to communicate with your orthodontist in Cape Coral, FL about your experience. Granted, there’s a certain amount of discomfort associated with wearing traditional braces. At the same time, wearing braces shouldn’t be painful. In fact, at some point, many patients forget they have braces on, especially when they have a high quality orthodontist. If you’re having issues, please let us know. Here are some times when you should alert your orthodontist with braces problems.

A Tooth Feels Loose

None of your teeth should “jiggle” or feel loose in any way while wearing braces. If one does, contact your orthodontist right away so it can be looked at.

A Wire End is Poking Your Gums or Inner Lips

Wire ends are meant to be tucked away. They shouldn’t cause abrasions. If one does poke out, your orthodontist can easily fix it when you come in for an appointment.

It’s Hard to Eat or Speak

If your braces make it hard to eat or speak, something might be wrong with their fit or placement. Contact your orthodontist to address the issue and ensure your braces are working as they should.

They Accidentally Got Damaged

Sports injuries, falls, motor vehicle accidents and other incidents have the potential to damage braces. If this happens, call your orthodontist so they can carefully inspect your braces and rectify any damage right away.

At Richards & Associates Orthodontics, we want you to know that you’re never bothering us when you contact us to report an issue with your braces in Cape Coral, FL. Whether it’s a loose wire, an irritation on your soft tissue or something else, we want to know about it so we can help to remedy it.

dental-needs

4 Common Habits That Lead To Braces

/in /by

Teeth alignment issues can be inherited, and Richards & Associates Orthodontics is here to correct them. But not everyone who ends up needing braces inherited the condition. In some cases, certain habits can make it more likely that a person may end up needingbraces in Coral Gables, FL later in life. If you avoid these listed habits, it’s possible that, even if the person did inherent a propensity for alignment issues, they may not materialize. Here are four common habits that lead to braces that you should be aware of:

1. Use of Pacifiers

We understand that some children need to use a pacifier. It can be a very soothing habit. But using pacifiers after baby teeth have started to come in can push the teeth in a way that may mean your child needs braces later.

2. Thumb-sucking

If your child sucks their thumb, you should try to discourage the habit. This is another habit that can make the teeth move in unnatural positions, and it could mean braces later on. Talk to your child’s pediatrician to learn gentle ways of breaking this habit.

3. Tummy Sleeping

Sure, everyone tosses and turns at night, shifting into more comfortable positions. But chronic tummy sleeping puts unnatural pressure on teeth, especially children’s teeth. Consider using a pillow to prevent the body from rolling onto the tummy.

4. Extended Bottle Use

Work with your child’s doctor to wean them off of bottle feeding as soon as possible. Extended bottle use is another habit that can cause misalignment of the teeth.

YourCoral Gables, FL orthodontistat Richards & Associates Orthodontics is ready to help with adolescent and adult braces. But we also like to help people to avoid needing braces as much as possible.

Adult Treatment & Braces

I’m An Adult. Can I Get Braces?

/in /by

Your teeth make your smile what it is. If you feel good about your teeth, it’s easy to feel good about your smile. If you feel self-conscious about your teeth, it’s hard to feel good about your smile. 

If you’re an adult, you may have learned to live with crooked or crowded teeth – but did you know this problem can be corrected? Working with your dentist in Cape Coral and Fort Myers, FL, you can get braces that can correct the problem. 

Can Adults Wear Braces?

Yes, adults can get braces. Adults can benefit from the use of braces just like younger people. If you have crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw, braces can help correct the problem, even if you’ve been an adult for a long time.

Is There An Age Limit for Braces?

There is no age limit for wearing braces. In order to get braces, your dentist needs to evaluate your teeth to determine whether braces can help you. It’s also important to have good oral health and good hygiene habits. Your dentist will let you know whether you’re a good candidate for braces. 

Are Braces Effective for Adults?

Adult braces can help straighten your teeth, correct a problem with crowded teeth, and align your jaw. Depending on the problem that you’re correcting, your braces can even help improve your oral health. Braces make teeth straight, and straight teeth are easier to clean. 

Are you interested in adult braces in Cape Coral and Fort Myers, FL? If so, contact your dentist at Richards & Associates Orthodontics. We provide adult braces to help straighten your teeth and beautify your smile!

 

dental-kids

When Should I Bring My Child In for Braces Evaluation?

/in /by

Some children need braces to straighten their teeth and ensure proper alignment of their jaw and bite. Not all kids need this kind of treatment, but those who do usually benefit from early evaluation and braces installation. Knowing when to bring your child in for evaluation can help ensure that your child gets the treatment they need as soon as they need it. Your dentist in Cape Coral & Fort Myers, FL, can help.

When to Get a Braces Evaluation

For many kids, the best time to get a braces evaluation is when they’re about seven years old. This is the age recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists.

If your child is younger than seven but showing signs they could benefit from orthodontic treatments, the orthodontist may want to see your child even earlier than seven. Contact your child’s orthodontist at Richards & Associates Orthodontics to find out if this is necessary for your child.

Signs Your Child Needs Braces

Sometimes it’s easy to tell when a child may need braces. Here’s what to look for:

  • Your child’s jaw doesn’t properly align when biting down or closed
  • Your child frequently bites the inside of their mouth
  • Your child’s teeth are crowded and difficult to clean properly
  • Your child has a speech impediment

Why It’s Important to Get a Braces Evaluation Early

Most of the time, orthodontic problems only get worse. Getting early evaluation and treatment can help ensure that your child gets the treatment they need before their problem grows more severe.

To sign up for a pediatric braces evaluation in Cape Coral & Fort Myers, FL, contact the professionals at Richards & Associates Orthodontics.