Astoria Family Orthodontics - Dr. Robert Lopatkin, DDS

Managing Discomfort Following an Orthodontic Adjustment

Although wearing braces is quite comfortable, patients sometimes experience discomfort following an orthodontic adjustment. Any pain or tenderness you feel will be temporary, but there are a few simple steps you can take to minimize its occurrence. If you have specific questions or concerns about your braces and what you may feel, ask your orthodontist for more details.

Use Pain Relievers
One of the best ways to handle orthodontic pain is to prevent it. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, before your orthodontic appointment. Continue to take painkillers preemptively for the few days following your visit to keep any pain at bay. Additionally, ask your orthodontist about using a topical oral anesthetic. Brands such as Anbesol and Orajel offer immediate temporary pain relief from any sores that the tissues of your mouth may develop following an adjustment.

Eat Soft Foods
Eating liquids and soft foods can minimize pain from tender teeth following an orthodontic appointment. Soups and smoothies are great options that require no chewing at all. Other foods that are easy on sore teeth and jaws following a braces adjustment include cooked or shredded chicken, soft cheese, pasta. Add variety by including steamed vegetables or baked fruit cut into bite-sized pieces.

Try Sensitivity Products
During your orthodontic treatment, try switching to a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. This can help to minimize pain following adjustments as well as throughout your treatment. You will need to use a sensitive toothpaste every day for the best results. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing your teeth to avoid damaging the protective enamel, and check to ensure your toothpaste contains fluoride to aid in remineralization.

At Astoria Family Orthodontics, our orthodontists are dedicated to providing comfortable, effective treatment for children and adults. You can find out more about what you can expect from your orthodontic experience by calling (888) 386-0162. Read through our blog for more tips on maintaining your braces and finding braces-friendly foods.

Common Habits That Can Damage Your Teeth

Healthy teeth are an essential component of our overall oral health. But all too often, we can accidentally damage our teeth without meaning to do so. Some habits can unintentionally wreak havoc on your smile. For example, chewing on ice may seem like a harmless vice, since water is sugar-free. However, chewing on frozen cubes can actually chip or crack your teeth or, in extreme cases, damage the soft tissue inside your teeth. Bad habits can impact your infant’s teeth as well. If you put your baby to bed with a bottle of juice or milk, you are essentially allowing your child to fall asleep with his or her teeth soaked in sugar overnight. Avoid both of these routines to help protect your teeth!

If you are in need of orthodontic care, contact Astoria Family Orthodontics at (888) 386-0162. Our experienced and professional staff offer high-quality service. Let us help you achieve the perfect smile! Call us today to learn more about the services we provide. 

Teeth Alignment Issues That Require Orthodontic Treatment

Individuals can require orthodontic care for any number of reasons. Whether they have overlapping teeth, an uneven jaw alignment that results in an overbite or underbite, or something else altogether, an uneven smile can be more than aesthetically unpleasing. Unfortunately, it can also impact your overall oral health. Read on for a few common dental concerns that will require orthodontic treatment.

Crooked Teeth
Crooked teeth are more or less the signature concern of orthodontists. A crooked smile can impact the function of your teeth. If left untreated, crooked teeth can interfere with proper chewing and cause straining of the jaws and other oral muscles. In addition, an uneven oral alignment can make dental hygiene increasingly difficult, resulting in an augmented risk of tooth decay, cavities, or gingivitis.

Jaw Misalignment
A jaw misalignment can result in an overbite or an underbite. This occurs when the teeth in the upper jaw extend over the lower jaw. As a result, when a person bites together, there is a noticeable gap between the teeth. However, this too is more than just an aesthetic nuisance. Jaw misalignment can severely impact chewing. It can also cause injuries to the lips and inner mouth. In severe cases, an overbite or underbite may even cause the lips or mouth to become permanently misshapen.

Overcrowded Teeth
Oral overcrowding occurs when the mouth is too small to hold all of an individual’s teeth. This most often happens as a result of a small oral arch. When teeth become overcrowded, they can become thin and negatively influence both oral appearance and function. In most cases, overcrowding is remedied by removing excess teeth. Then, realignment by an orthodontist can help to ensure that remaining teeth will find their way into their correct positions.

For help resolving your dental alignment concerns, call Astoria Family Orthodontics. Our experienced and professional dental practice team provides patients with expert orthodontic consultation and treatment. Our full line of services includes an early treatment program for younger children, adult remedies, and a full selection of braces appropriate for teens and adults. Call us today at (888) 386-0162 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about your options.

Brace Yourself! [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you picture a mouth filled with metal brackets and wires when you think of braces, you’re in for a big surprise when you visit your orthodontist! Although traditional metal braces are still available—and are better than ever—many more treatment options exist for people who want to improve their smiles with help from an orthodontist. Clear ceramic braces, Invisalign, and lingual braces allow you to tailor your treatment to your lifestyle. This infographic from a leading Astoria orthodontist lays out your many braces options. See which ones might be right for you before consulting your orthodontist, and pass this information along to anyone you know who wants a dazzling grin. 

Tips for Brushing with Braces

Nearly everyone knows that one of the most important parts of dental health is brushing your teeth. However, this seemingly simple task can get a bit more complicated when braces are involved. Brushing your teeth with braces can be a talent in and of itself. For example, did you know that teeth should be brushed at least four times a day, including after every meal? In addition, it is important that toothbrushes get replaced more frequently when being used with braces because the metal gear tends to wear down the bristles much more quickly. You can learn more about brushing with braces by watching this short video.

For the best in orthodontic care, contact Astoria Family Orthodontics today. Our office serves the Long Island City area and offers a convenient location, a state-of-the-art office, and friendly, professional, and experienced staff. Call us today at (888) 386-0162 to schedule an appointment.