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4 Ways To Protect Your Child’s Developing Smile [BLOG]

Wearing braces is such a common part of childhood for many people growing up that preventing the need for them isn’t often treated with a great deal of importance.

But there are things you can do during your child’s development that can help prevent a higher level of complication when it comes to the position of their teeth and their bite alignment.

Our team at Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R in Boca Raton, FL wants to help you know how to encourage your child’s healthy teeth and bite development so any orthodontic treatment they may need in the future can go more smoothly.

4 Ways To Protect Your Child’s Developing Smile

You do all you can to make sure your child is happy and healthy. That includes teaching them about proper nutrition, the value of enough sleep, and making good decisions about their own oral health and hygiene.

In that spirit, here are four ways you can help protect your child’s developing smile!

#1 – Instill Good Dental Habits Early

One of the best things you can do for your child’s developing smile is to instill good dental habits as early as possible.

The sooner your child understands the importance of keeping their teeth clean, the more likely good oral hygiene and health will become second nature to them into adulthood. It also helps them avoid complicated orthodontic treatment later in childhood due to issues like tooth decay.

That means making brushing and flossing a regular part of their daily routine, monitoring their technique and helping them improve as they grow, and keeping routine cleanings and exams at the dentist.

#2 – Protect Their Baby Teeth

Some people may assume that since baby teeth will eventually all come out, it’s not really a big deal if they come out too early.

This is definitely a myth! Losing a baby tooth before the adult tooth is ready to take its place, your child’s surrounding teeth will naturally begin to shift toward that empty space. This can lead to crooked teeth down the road.

One of the best ways to protect your child’s baby teeth from coming out too early is to make sure they wear a customized athletic mouthguard if they participate in sports or intense physical activity. You can get one right here in our Boca Raton, FL dental office, in fact!

#3 – Don’t Let Them Become Nail Biters!

Actually, this one can be thought of more broadly than just with nail-biting. That’s because any undue stress on their baby teeth can pose problems down the road for their smile. Too much sustained pressure from habits biting their fingernails can make their baby teeth move into problematic positions and affect their overall development.

#4 – Avoid Pacifiers Or Letting Thumbsucking Become A Habit

Easy for us to say, right? We’re not the ones losing sleep trying to soothe a baby or toddler! But the fact is, as tempting as it is to indulge the self-soothing tactics of pacifiers and thumbsucking, these habits can set them up for bite problems as they develop.

It requires a lot of willpower and diligence, but do all you can to keep thumbsucking from becoming a habit and to wean them off a pacifier as early as possible. Waiting until well after their baby teeth start erupting poses a threat to their bite and jaw development and could make future orthodontic treatment more complicated.

Schedule An Appointment

Here’s a bonus tip for you! Another way to protect your child’s developing smile is to bring them to Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R for early orthodontic intervention!

We’ll make sure their bite is developing in a healthy way, and we’ll step in to make any potential orthodontic treatment later in their development goes more smoothly.

Call our Boca Raton, FL practice today at 561-327-6775 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Feel Happy About Your Smile Again With Invisalign! [VIDEO]

Danielle admits that after her braces came off years ago, she wasn’t always diligent about wearing her retainer.

As a result, her straight teeth began to shift out of place once again.

That’s when she turned to our team at Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R for help with Invisalign!

Hear Danielle explain why she’s so happy with her beautiful smile and the treatment her family receives in Boca Raton, FL!

Find out if Invisalign will make you happy with your smile again! Call Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R at (561) 483-0072 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule a consultation.

How To Choose Between Invisalign & Lingual Braces [BLOG]

Getting crooked teeth into their proper position is easier and more discreet than ever before!

At Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R in Boca Raton, FL, you have many options available to you without having to resort to standard metal braces.

Today, we’re taking a closer look at two of them!

How To Choose Between Invisalign & Lingual Braces

Here’s a clear comparison of the general pros and cons of both Invisalign and lingual braces. Once you have a better sense of what each option involves, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision about which would suit you best!

*The Pros Of Invisalign*

They really changed the game with Invisalign therapy!

Until this option came along, you really didn’t have many choices when it came to correcting the cosmetic problem of crooked teeth outside of brackets and wires.

But now, thanks to Invisalign, you can avoid so many of the drawbacks often associated to traditional braces.

One of the reasons for that is because Invisalign uses clear mouth trays, or aligners, that you wear over your teeth, which is far less conspicuous! In fact, you can barely see them at all.

Another bonus is that the clear aligners are smooth and comfortable inside your mouth, so you don’t have to deal with sharp ends of wires scraping your cheeks, tongue, and lips.

You can also maintain the same oral care you always have because you can take the aligners out to brush and floss.

That also means you can take them out to eat so you don’t have to restrict your diet during treatment. In about 12 months or less, you’ll be down to your last set of aligners and you finish with beautiful, straight teeth!

*The Cons Of Invisalign*

Invisalign is so comfortable and convenient, it’s hard to think about things you might not like about the treatment process itself. But if we had to pick one, it’d be that it’s not a practical option for those patients who have really complicated bite problems.

For particularly complex jaw and bite issues, you may find success with a more traditional orthodontic treatment like braces, as well as surgical orthodontics, if necessary.

Invisalign is more suitable for mild to moderate cases where teeth are improperly positioned.

*The Pros Of Lingual Braces*

It’s remarkable how far orthodontics have come in recent years because of advanced technology. Until fairly recently, who would have thought there’d be a truly invisible way to wear braces?

Lingual braces aren’t something you can find in most dental offices, which is why we’re so glad our orthodontists have the extensive training and experience to offer them to our patients in the Boca Raton, FL region.

Traditional braces you’re used to seeing are bonded to the front of each tooth.

Lingual braces, on the other hand, are placed on the back side of your teeth so they’re completely hidden from view! Throughout the course of treatment, you’ll see more and more progress in the positioning of your teeth until all of them are straight and the gaps have completely closed. So in terms of results, you’re getting the same great-looking smile, just using a different method.

Another benefit to lingual braces at Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R is that we can use state-of-the-art robotics as part of your treatment preparation to get the most precise results possible. The best part about the accuracy of this design innovation is that it can actually cut your overall treatment time by as much as a third compared to traditional strategies.

Similar to the advantages of Invisalign, lingual braces allow you to get a stunning smile without sacrificing your appearance or risk compromising your professional image. This makes it another great option for adults who are finally ready to straighten their teeth!

*The Cons Of Lingual Braces

Like any dental treatment, there are things to consider before you decide on the orthodontic strategy that’s best for you, your tastes, and your lifestyle.

With lingual braces being used on the other side of your teeth, you may find the brackets and wires affect your speech in some way. It’s not something that affects everyone, but for those who do notice a difference in their speech, we find that this is only a temporary issue. Once you’ve had a week or two to adjust to the feeling of brackets and wires so close to your tongue, you’ll start to find it easier and easier to resume normal, comfortable speech.

Another issue you could run into, at least initially, is some soreness on your tongue as you adjust to wearing lingual braces. As you get used to it, we can provide special wax just like with standard braces to place anywhere on your brackets and wires that rub against your tongue. You may even find relief by rinsing your mouth out with salt water just like if you were healing from a common tooth extraction procedure.

Finally, just like with traditional braces, you’ll need to get used to practicing great oral hygiene every single day so that food particles don’t get too cozy in your lingual braces. And since they’re on the back of your teeth, you may want to invest in a small dental mirror so you can easily check to make sure you’ve cleaned your teeth thoroughly.

All of these are just part of that initial adjustment period common to any type of orthodontic treatment.

Schedule An Appointment

In Boca Raton, FL, your place for high-quality orthodontics is Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R.

Dr. Wohlgemuth and Dr. Rothstein are specifically trained to provide the best, most innovative orthodontic treatments that will result in the smile you want in the most efficient, comfortable, and affordable way possible for you and your family. We’ll make sure you’re well-informed about Invisalign, lingual braces, or any of our other smile strategies so you’re getting the right one for your needs.

We always begin the process with a complimentary consultation so you can feel free to explore our diverse options and understand the pros and cons of each. Together, we can come to a decision you’ll be comfortable with.

Let us help you decide on how to get your dream smile! Call Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R at 561-327-6775 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Love Your Smile At Any Age With Orthodontics [BLOG]

It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, your smile is important at every age and stage of your life!

You should look great and feel confident no matter what. Normally, you’ll find teens and tweens are a more suited age for traditional braces because so many of their peers are going through the same treatment. It’s less awkward when you’re not the only one who stands out, especially at that pivotal age.

Adults are often looking for alternatives, and at Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R in Boca Raton, FL, we deliver! There are multiple ways to achieve your dream smile with our modern treatment options!

Not only can you reap the cosmetic benefits of straight teeth, but you can also do your mouth and body a favor by finally addressing problems with your bite alignment, overcrowding, and other orthodontic concerns that affect your the state of your oral health.

3 Orthodontic Options For The Mature Smile

Maybe you’re financially able to pursue orthodontics, but socially, you’re not sure you want to deal with what braces will do to your appearance.

Or you already went through the whole braces experience as a kid and didn’t wear your retainer once the braces came off. Now, your teeth are almost as crooked as they once were and you’re back to square one.

Here are three alternatives to metal braces for the more mature smiles out there!

*Invisalign*

Rather than brackets and wires, Invisalign will straighten your teeth by way of clear aligners. Almost undetectable, you’re more likely to inconspicuously get your dream smile. The smooth plastic is comfortable, and you can finish treatment in roughly a year!

*Clear Ceramic Braces*

If your bite and teeth position require brackets and wires, don’t sweat it!

You can choose clear ceramic braces that will be matched to your teeth so their color blends in easily for a more discreet method than dark metal.

You also wouldn’t have to worry about the ceramic material looking dingy and more noticeable over the course of treatment because it’s resistant to stains.

*Lingual Braces*

Most inconspicuous of all orthodontics adults love are lingual braces. It’s all possible because the brackets and wires are attached to the back of your teeth completely out of sight! You can even cut treatment time by as much as a third when we apply suresmile® technology to your treatment plan.

Schedule A Consultation!

You shouldn’t set limits on yourself when it comes to being healthy and happy. Fortunately, modern methods for straightening teeth and correcting bite problems mean you don’t have to tell yourself you’re too old to get the smile you’ve always wanted.

Explore your options in our Boca Raton, FL dentist office.

Call Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R at 561-327-6775 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Make Your Straight Smile Last With A Retainer [BLOG]

You just had your braces removed and now can finally show off your beautifully straight teeth!

It’s such an exciting moment that has a lasting impact on your appearance and self-confidence.

But what should you do to maintain your new smile?

You should wear your retainer!

After your orthodontic treatment is finished at Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R in Boca Raton, FL, we’ll provide you with the right retainer for you so that your teeth stay perfectly aligned for years and years.

Make Your Straight Smile Last With A Retainer

Because you waited so long to have straight teeth and a pretty smile, getting your braces off is a huge deal!

Remembering how crooked or poorly-positioned your teeth used to be makes your new smile all the more miraculous! It makes you wonder why in the world you should ever have to worry about having an unsightly smile like that again.

But as tempting as it may be to toss the retainer aside, it’s important to know how it helps you preserve the beautiful results of your treatment.

The fact is, your teeth won’t ever completely stop moving, even well into adulthood. That’s where a retainer can help. It will keep your teeth where they’re supposed to be so all that time, money, and waiting won’t be in vain!

Common Types Of Retainers

Everyone’s needs are different, but usually, there are two common types of retainers that can be used to keep your straight teeth in place.

*A Wire Retainer*

Specially-made to fit the shape of the roof of your mouth and around your teeth, this retainer uses a wire to fit over your teeth to secure them in their proper position.

*A Bonded Retainer*

Another common method to keep your teeth straight throughout the years is with a bonded retainer. It’s a discreet method because a wire is bonded to the back of your teeth so no one can see it. Not only that, you don’t have to remember to wear it because this retainer isn’t removable except by a professional. It’s made to fit well so you hardly even feel it!

Call Now For A Complimentary Consultation!

If you’re ready to get started on your new, straight smile, you should set up a complimentary consultation in our Boca Raton, FL practice to explore your orthodontic options.

From start to finish, we’ll make sure you’re getting the most out of your treatment, including giving you a quality retainer to help your straight, beautiful smile last!

Call Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R at 561-327-6775 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule your complimentary consultation.

A Before & After Look At Bite Correction [PHOTO]

Tea had significant alignment problems that had her in need of a specialist who could correct it successfully.

That’s why her family brought her to Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R for braces!

Look what a difference it made for her smile!

Could orthodontics give you the smile you want?

Find out at Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R. Call us at (561) 483-0072 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule your complimentary consultation.

2 Faster, More Discreet Solutions To Crooked Teeth [BLOG]

You didn’t have the chance to straighten your teeth back when you were in middle or high school when all your friends did. Your parents just couldn’t afford it.

Or maybe you did have braces way back when, but since then, your teeth have shifted out of position and you’re ashamed of your smile all over again.

We meet adult patients almost daily at Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R who face this dilemma and want to know what their options are.

More specifically, they’re established in their careers and worry about wearing metal braces, and they’ve waited long enough to have the smile they want.

Today, we’re highlighting two popular choices among our adult patients here in Boca Raton, FL!

2 Faster, More Discreet Solutions To Crooked Teeth

Although we have so many different ways to solve bite problems and cosmetic issues with your teeth, some can give you the results you want in less time and less conspicuously than others.

Here are two of them!

*Discreet Treatment With Lingual Braces*

What if you could wear braces that remained completely hidden until it was time to remove them?

Sounds too good to be true, but fortunately, it isn’t.

Lingual braces are placed on the inside of your teeth so no one will suspect you’re wearing them at all. All anyone will notice is that your teeth just keep looking better and better!

Just like regular braces, lingual braces correct:

*Overcrowding and overlapping

*Crossbites

*Gaps between teeth

*Open bites & more!

This is the least noticeable way to straighten crooked teeth so you don’t have to make any sacrifices to your appearance for the extent of your treatment.

*Faster Treatment With Invisalign*

If you don’t have any major bite alignment issues, you might consider Invisalign to get your teeth lined up correctly. This treatment uses a series of clear, removable aligners that move your teeth into the right position as you switch from tray to tray.

Smooth plastic aligners make this a very comfortable orthodontic option, not to mention you can barely see them! Imagine all the awkward conversations around the water cooler you can avoid about why you waited so long to fix your teeth, why your parents didn’t let you get braces back in school, and all the rest!

It’s really no one’s business that you’re on an orthodontic treatment plan unless you tell them, and with Invisalign, you’re the one who gets to decide!

It’s important to look experienced and competent, especially in the workplace, if you want to be taken seriously. So it’s nice that Invisalign won’t force you to go backwards after all the years you’ve been working hard to earn respect and a higher status among colleagues.

Perhaps the best perk with Invisalign is that it’s faster than standard braces. How much faster?

Most patients finish treatment within about a year, even less in some cases!

*They Come With Other Advantages, Too*

Obviously, faster, more discreet orthodontic treatment is an advantage all its own.

But the benefits don’t stop there!

Here are two more advantages to straightening your crooked teeth:

You’ll Look More Attractive!

Naturally, straight teeth look more appealing and attractive. This will give you a big boost in confidence, which you can use to pursue new job opportunities, promotions, or even romantic relationships. You can finally have a smile you love and feel compelled to show it off instead of hide it!

Keeping Your Teeth In The Right Position Is Better For Oral Health!

When your teeth are in the right position, it’s easier to keep them clean. No more overlapping, overcrowding, or wearing down of your teeth! All those issues create are more hiding places for bacteria fester and plaque to build up and harden.

When your bite alignment is off, you also have the risk of wearing down your teeth or damaging your enamel which, again, can provide an entrance for harmful bacteria.

Schedule A Complimentary Consultation

Our orthodontists are here to help you choose the best treatment to fit your specific situation. We take your lifestyle into account because we know that adults especially have cause to be concerned about how orthodontics may affect their personal and professional lives. You’re not immersed in an environment where all your peers are going through similar treatment, so it matters to you.

Therefore, it matters to us!

Call Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R at 561-327-6775 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule your complimentary consultation, and we’ll help you find the most discreet, efficient treatment.

What Do You Know About TMJ Disorder? [QUIZ]

Sometimes, various bouts of pain and discomfort can occur in scattered areas of the body, making it easy to overlook patterns.

TMJ disorder comes with seemingly unrelated signs and symptoms, so the best way to know if it’s affecting you is to visit Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R in Boca Raton, FL!

Answer these questions to see how much you know about TMD, and then make sure you trust our professionals to help you find relief!

Call Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R at 561-327-6775 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule an appointment for diagnosis and treatment.

Why Tracey Came To Us For Braces [VIDEO]

Tracey will be the first person to tell you she wasn’t a very good patient the first time she wore braces as a teen. She ate foods she shouldn’t have, and she also admits that she didn’t wear her retainer.

Because of that, Tracey’s teeth shifted out of position as an adult.

Check out today’s video where she talks about why she’s thrilled with the results of her orthodontic treatment at Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R in Boca Raton, FL!

Explore your orthodontic options with us! Call Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R at (561) 483-0072 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Lydia’s Beautiful Before & After [PHOTO]

Today, our team at Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R want to share another beautiful smile transformation in our blog.

Lydia’s before and after photo truly reflects the high-quality treatment and results you get in our Boca Raton, FL dental office.

Trust your child’s braces to us!

Call Smiles by Dr. W & Dr. R at 561-327-6775 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule your complimentary consultation.