What's the point of these rubber bands? Do I really have to wear them all the time? What if I double up at night?

Many people who go through orthodontic treatment are required to wear elastics or rubber bands toward the end of their braces.  Elastics are used to help correct a patient's bite into an ideal position.  Whether you are in braces or Invisalign, the importance of elastics is essential. 

At our Akron orthodontic office, Dr. Barnett and Team work tirelessly on patient education to make this point about cooperation clear.  Without a patient doing the work, the end will never be in sight. 

There are different circumstances that could require the use of elastics; such as, an overbite, an underbite, or a crossbite.  Elastics are connected directly onto the brackets on a specialized hook designed to secure the rubber band in place.  They connect from top to bottom.  The pull of the rubber bands helps to move the teeth into the correct positions by stimulating the cells in the bone surrounding the teeth; therefore, the teeth then shift into the new correct position.  This is only successful when the elastics are worn full time, about 21-22 hours a day.  Part time cooperation will never make progress. As the bone begins the process of changing but when not worn consistently, it always has to “begin again.”  Thus no progress is made.

In today’s busy times, we find more and more people struggling with cooperation.  Whether it is forgetting after a meal to replace them, sports or activities that interfere, or just the "annoyance" of wearing rubber bands in general, some people just can't seem to commit.  Patients think that "doubling-up" on elastics will suffice; some will wear two elastics on each side at bed time and wear nothing during the day.  As brilliant as this seems, it does not work.  The teeth need constant light pressure in order to move.     

          Commonly we hear kids say they forget to put them in after lunch.  If you struggle with this, try setting an alarm/reminder on your cell phone to go off after lunch. Another idea is to keep a bag of elastics as a bookmark in your textbook for the first class after lunch. You can also try placing the rubber bands on a finger while snacking.

          If you really cannot commit to the cooperation, talk with your orthodontist about a non-compliant approach to bite correction.  We use a lot of “fixed” appliances to correct bites.  Ultimately though, each individual patient is in charge of his or her future.  Take some ownership to the process and achieve that awesome result!

---->CHECK OUT THIS FUNNY CLIP WE HAD ONE OF PATIENTS MAKE<---- br="">

 

7 year-olds and EXTRA teeth; how seeing your orthodontist early can save the day! Or at least, save the smile.

If you haven't done it yet, and your child is at least 7, take them to the orthodontist.  Do it today.  You don't need to wait until the dentist says it's time.  Go now and rule out any unforeseen issues.  Chances are good that your child won't be ready for braces until age 12, but going to the orthodontist early, just might make a big difference in their dental future.

Recently we had a patient come in for a complimentary new patient exam. Her family had no issues with esthetics and her dentist didn't have any concerns.  Her parents were aware of some crowding and a slight overbite but they made the appointment because they had read somewhere that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child's first exam at age 7. Thank goodness they came.

Upon taking a set of photos and xrays, we identified a large growth between the roots of her upper front teeth.  It was an amorphous extra tooth, which if given enough time could have continued to grow and damage her front teeth potentially ruining her smile.  This would have never been caught had the family not come in early.

Over 80% of kids visiting the orthodontist at age 7 do not need any early orthodontic treatment. Those kids go into a complimentary observation program called our "Kids Cub Club" where they return annually for quick checks to make sure the teeth are erupting properly and jaws are growing appropriately. 

The other 20% of kids who could benefit from early intervention, usually require limited treatment (at a fraction of the cost) with long term benefits that lessen the complexity and cost of treatment later. Often through the use of expanders, retainers or temporary front braces, problems can be corrected early (usually in 6-12 months).

  

Take your kid to the orthodontist. It might make a big difference in their dental future and you have nothing to lose.