Before our patients get their free consultation, they often call and ask if they are too old for orthodontic treatment. This is a great question, and the good news is this: Mateer Orthodontics treats patients of all ages! As long as your teeth are healthy, it is never too late to straighten them! In fact, taking action at any age can help prevent oral health problems from developing down the road. That is why we have treatment plans no matter your age or situation. Mateer Orthodontics can help you or your loved one achieve a smile that benefits dental health as much as it increases confidence.

Dr. Mateer has years of experience in the treatment of specific needs corresponding to patients whether young and old, and it all starts with the first conversation. Coming in for a free consultation means we can advise you on your own treatment options and give your kids a first orthodontic check-up, even if treatment for them is not needed.

As you consider treatment, take a look at the list below. You may be a good candidate if you suffer from the following:

• Crowded teeth
• Bad bite or malocclusion
• Gaps or spaces in between the teeth
• Abnormal jaw pain or pressure that is caused by crooked teeth

Perhaps you desire a healthier mouth and a more confident smile. A number of patients choose treatment for aesthetic reasons, but orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile and build confidence – it creates a healthier you! Plenty of research shows that your oral health has a great effect on your overall health. When you correct your oral health problems, you are making a lasting investment into your overall health.

Orthodontic treatment offers huge benefits at every age. Take a look below to learn more about the options available to you.   

Orthodontics for Children

While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age seven. By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for the orthodontist to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery.

For parents, it is not always easy to know if your child may need orthodontic treatment. Parents should consult with their pediatric dentist regularly, but there are several warning signs you can look for in your child that may be indicative of childhood orthodontic problems such as the following:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Finger or thumb sucking
• Grinding teeth
• Teeth that come together abnormally
• Breathing through the mouth or snoring
• Biting of cheeks
• Obvious overbite or underbite
• Difficulty chewing

For many of these cases and others not listed, early braces may be a good solution.

Orthodontics for Teens

The adolescent years are a crucial time for corrective treatment on the permanent teeth. By the age of thirteen, almost everyone has all of his or her permanent teeth, and a clear picture of an orthodontic situation has developed. This is the reason when you imagine someone with braces, you probably think of a teenager.

But as a result of heightened social anxiety, many teenagers dread wearing fixtures on their teeth. The good news is there are more options in orthodontic treatments today than ever before! Braces today come in a wide variety of styles and colors making life with braces much more comfortable and stylish. Yet, some teenagers are still hesitant. For that reason, we often recommend Invisalign.

Invisalign has many great features, but perhaps the most significant for teenagers is its virtual invisibility. A patient can wear it all day, and nobody will have the slightest idea that it is even there. As an added bonus, the trays are removable, so your teenager can eat the same foods as before!

Orthodontics for Adults

Did you know that plenty of adults are choosing orthodontic treatment? In fact, The American Association of Orthodontists reports that twenty-five percent of orthodontic patients are over 21 years of age.

Why are more and more adults today seeking treatment? Sometimes, parents choose to have orthodontic treatment when they see how confident it makes their children. Often, adult patients seek treatment for aesthetic reasons. Other times, adult patients want to do what is best for their oral health based on their dentist’s referral, as many oral health problems only get worse over time. No matter the reason for seeking adult braces, we have a solution that can help you reach your orthodontic goals and provide the smile you want.

Most adults deal with one or more of the following issues:

• Shifting and tilting invited by open space from missing teeth
• Gum disease (caused by crowded or uneven teeth that are difficult to clean)
• Worn teeth from misaligned bite
• Retreatment of orthodontic treatment from earlier in life (i.e. if you did not wear your retainer for the proper amount of time)

You may be surprised to know that there is a wide variety of orthodontic options for adults. During your initial consultation, we will do a thorough examination and discuss your personal situation with you. Our practice recognizes that adults have different needs than children and adolescents, and therefore, require a different level of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatment.

Mateer Orthodontics  – A place for everyone

Dr. Mateer and his staff believe that establishing a relationship with each patient and family is an integral part of orthodontic treatment. Additionally, we strive to be an office comfortable for patients of all ages.

Mateer Orthodontics services patients all over Suffolk County including Commack, East Northport, Dix Hills and surrounding areas. It is our privilege to be part of your life-changing journey to a beautiful smile!

If you have questions or are looking for an orthodontics provider to help you and your family work toward better smiles, look no further.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn about the benefits of orthodontics at every age. We hope to see you soon!

If you’re considering having your teeth straightened, you may be wondering if this is something your dentist can do, or if you’ll need to see an orthodontist. It’s a fair question to ask as most people know they’re not the same but not what sets them apart. While there are similarities, there are also significant differences. When you’re looking into orthodontic treatment such as braces or Invisalign, it’s important to understand what orthodontists like Dr. Mateer have to offer that general dentists don’t. We’ve put together this guide, so you can learn more.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Let’s start here because orthodontists and dentists both begin their careers by graduating from dental school. However, only those students in the top of their dental class will be accepted into an orthodontics residency program because of its extremely competitive nature. Once accepted, students will undergo an additional two to three years of full-time training concentrating on orthodontia. This includes a focus on braces, bite problems, and straightening teeth. Most general dentists will not have this kind of rigorous supplementary training, although there are few who do. Only after a dentist has successfully completed this residency program may they refer to themselves as an orthodontist. To put it simply, orthodontists are essentially dentists who have specialized, additional training in orthodontics.

Dr. Scott Mateer completed his undergraduate studies at Marist College, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. He attended Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, where he graduated at the top of his class. Upon completion of his dental degree he then attended Montefiore Medical Center where he received his specialty certificate in Orthodontics. Here he underwent extensive training in Orthodontics on patients of all ages using the most state-of-the-art techniques.

DIFFERENCES

While both professionals work in the field of oral care, the difference between an orthodontist and dentist comes down to a matter of specialty.

Dentists address general dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease, so it could be said that they specialize in issues with the teeth and gums. Dentists focus on maintaining their patients’ good oral hygiene and perform regular cleanings every six months.  There are dentists who specialize in a particular type of oral care. For example, a periodontist is a specialist who treats the gums and the bones beneath the teeth.

Orthodontists are dentists who have decided to expand their education by specializing in the alignment of teeth. They spend a lot time studying the jaw and the movement of teeth, and then address dental issues with tooth and jaw alignment. They deal most often with issues regarding bite, called malocclusions. Some of the most common problems they treat are:

• overbite
• underbite
• crowded teeth
• crossbite
• improperly spaced teeth

ARE GENERAL DENTISTS ABLE TO STRAIGHTEN TEETH?

The short answer is, yes, they can. In fact, a dentist who did not complete an orthodontics residency program may have the knowledge to do so through qualified seminars. However, he or she may not have the skill level because, unfortunately, many workshops lack the kind of rigorous examinations and testing that would truly gauge if the material was mastered. As a result, a dentist on this path may offer cookie cutter services that treat each patient’s issues the same.

SHOULD YOU CHOOSE A DENTIST OR AN ORTHODONTIST FOR BRACES TREATMENT?

Ideally, dentists and orthodontists should work together to provide exceptional care. Generally speaking, dentists are the experts at keeping your teeth healthy while orthodontists are the experts on jaw issues and teeth alignment. In fact dentists often refer their patients to an orthodontist if there are alignment problems or a bite abnormality.

That being said, the choice of a treatment provider always belongs to the patient, though, it is worth remembering that an orthodontist will be focused solely on orthodontic issues. Some general dentists will have a fair amount of orthodontic experience; however, the best way to ensure that you’re getting the optimal care you deserve is by receiving treatment from someone who specializes in what you need. It carries the least risk, and you are assured that your orthodontist is well versed in all the new treatments, as well as the older ones that might be a good fit for you.

Orthodontists have the experience and training to deal with whatever issue may arise. Additionally, orthodontists focus on long-term care plans that are individualized for each patient’s unique needs. These plans ensure you finish the process with the healthiest smile possible and are able to retain it for a lifetime.

SUMMING IT UP

Here’s what we learned:

• Dentists and orthodontists both specialize in oral care.
• All orthodontists are dentists; however, only about 10% of dentists are orthodontists.
• Orthodontists complete an additional two or three years of training in a competitive orthodontics residency program.
• Orthodontists focus exclusively on orthodontic care and treatment.

Orthodontists perform teeth straightening procedures daily and stay up to date on all the latest best practices and technology, invest in the newest equipment, and are frequent participants and leaders in orthodontic classes, seminars, and workshops.

Because we specialize in one thing, we can offer the very best customized treatment to each and every patient. General dentists might be more inclined to use a one-size-fits-all approach.

MEETING YOUR ORTHODONTIC NEEDS WITH MATEER ORTHODONTICS

Dr. Mateer and Staff believe that establishing a relationship with each patient and family is an integral part of orthodontic treatment. We are also committed to continuing education and state-of- the-art orthodontic treatment. Mateer Orthodontics services patients all over Suffolk County including Commack, East Northport, Dix Hills and surrounding areas. It is our privilege to be part of your life-changing journey to a beautiful smile!  Please contact our office to schedule a complimentary consultation. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Nearly every new, rewarding experience has a learning curve, and orthodontic treatment is no different. Whether you’re straightening your smile with Invisalign’s clear aligner system or straightening with traditional metal braces, the process can take a bit of getting used to.

Here at Mateer Orthodontics, we understand patient concerns. It is uncommon for a day to go by without a patient cautiously asking if the treatment being considered will be painful. We like to be upfront with our patients and manage their expectations.  With that being said, we inform our patients that some initial soreness is completely normal, and at times, as teeth are moving, they may ache a bit. While most of the temporary discomfort a patient may feel is typical, true orthodontic emergencies, while rare, can occur.

What constitutes a true orthodontic emergency?

Thankfully, there are just a few instances where orthodontic emergencies apply. They include:

• any major trauma or injury to the teeth, face, or mouth
• infection and/or swelling and/or bleeding of the gums, mouth, or face
• severe discomfort or pain in these areas that don’t respond to treatment

If during the course of your treatment, you experience any of these issues, seek help as soon as possible. Start with your orthodontist’s office unless you believe heading to the emergency room is your best option. We totally understand that deciding whether something is ER-worthy or not is difficult. A good example of things that need immediate attention are a fractured tooth, severe unmanageable pain, or serious swelling. Once you’ve attended to the emergency situation, we can adjust your orthodontic treatment plan as needed.

The great news is that in many cases, orthodontic problems can be resolved at home. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend trying to treat the pressing issue of discomfort first, and then schedule an appointment with our office. Remember though, even if you can temporarily alleviate some or all of the pain caused by a stray wire or broken bracket, you’ll still need to come see us for a repair appointment. While you’re waiting to be seen, the following guidelines can help you take care of quite a few minor emergencies at home.

Minor orthodontic emergencies and remedies

Loose or broken brackets/bands/wires

Many times, “user error” is a normal cause of issues with brackets, bands, or wires.  This can be as seemingly “harmless” as eating some hard candy or sticky food, only to realize the situation just went gloriously wrong. Behavior like this can cause you not only pain but also extra time in your braces.

If it’s a band or bracket that’s broken and causing you pain but is still attached to the wire, don’t connect any elastics to it; leave it alone until your appointment. However, if it is irritating or scraping the inside of your mouth, cover the offending wire with orthodontic wax.  If the piece has broken all the way off, house it somewhere safe and bring it to your next appointment. Either way, be sure to give us a call in our Commack office to let us know what’s happened. We’ll be able to recommend what you should do next.

Misplaced archwire/bracket/tie

Sometimes the archwire can start poking out near the back of the mouth as your teeth start moving into their new positions. This can be irritating to your cheeks. In most instances, you can push the wire into a better position by using a Q-tip or the end of a pencil eraser. If misplaced wires or ties are causing you trouble, they can usually be manipulated back into place with a pair of tweezers.

If any wire or brackets are irritating your mouth, cover them with orthodontic wax. And of course, make an appointment to fix the problem as soon as possible.

Tooth pain or loosening

Ask people what a common fear is, and many will answer it’s their teeth falling out. Now, the realization of having a loose tooth in your post-Tooth Fairy years can be scary, but it’s entirely normal for teeth to loosen up a bit when undergoing orthodontic treatment. If anything, it’s proof they are moving in the literal right direction! Sometimes this can be accompanied by tenderness. Using a salt water rinse twice a day can be beneficial and soothing to sore gums. Mix one teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water, and then swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds. A warm washcloth or a heating pad on the low setting can also be placed on the outside of your jaw for additional relief.

Broken retainer

Like anything else, retainers can break. It’s possible for the metal or plastic parts of your retainer or other removable appliance to bend or break, leading to an uncomfortable or improper fit. If this happens, stop wearing your retainer immediately and call the office for an appointment.

If your retainer cracks or breaks, keep all the pieces in a plastic bag and bring them with you to your next appointment. We try to repair broken retainers first if we can.

Handling orthodontic emergencies with the help of Mateer Orthodontics

While rare, orthodontic emergencies can happen, and we recommend that you seek treatment immediately if one happens to you. That said, we know even non-emergencies can cause stress and discomfort, and our number one goal is to make your orthodontic experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We try to be available to our patients as much as possible, so please reach out if an emergency happens. We will do everything we can to correct the problem as quickly and pain-free as possible!

When patients find out that braces are in their near future, it spurs a lot of different questions like, “Will they hurt?” “How will I take care of them?” “Will they affect my wisdom teeth?”

Hold on, wisdom teeth?

Yes, wisdom teeth! Even though these might not be big your biggest concern when it comes to braces, we still deal with questions about these guys on a regular basis. Often times, patients who are near the completion of their orthodontic treatment will start to feel their wisdom teeth coming in, and may begin to panic and worry that their now straightened teeth will be moved around and once again become uneven. We at Mateer Orthodontics know this a legitimate concern for both patients and parents, so let’s look at how wisdom teeth affect your smile and separate fact from fiction.

Can They Affect My Straightened Smile?

At around 17-21 years of age, patients can expect their wisdom teeth to begin making an appearance. At the same time, they may feel the slightest shifting of their teeth. This is known as a relapse. Is it coincidence, or is it a result of emerging wisdom teeth?

Interestingly enough, research has shown that wisdom teeth are not the cause of teeth shifting around this age! According to researchers at the University of Iowa, wisdom teeth are not able to exert enough pressure on teeth to cause them to shift. Researchers tested this by putting sensors in between teeth on patients both with and without wisdom teeth. The results? There was no noticeable difference.

So if wisdom teeth aren’t the cause for shifting teeth, that what is?

The biggest reason we feel a shifting in our teeth at this point is because we age.

Yep, just like the rest of our body, our teeth begin to show signs of wear and tear as we get older. Teeth naturally drift and this can cause some overlap, slightly moving them forward. When the teeth overlap, the lower teeth can be pressed in towards the tongue by the upper teeth. During this time there is still some residual jaw growth happening, which can force teeth into not so desirable positions.

If you’ve ever heard Dr. Mateer telling patients to wear their retainer, this is why! Because your retainer is a mold of your teeth when you first got your braces taken off, wearing it on a consistent basis is your best defense against the shifting of your teeth. With the natural pressure from your teeth to start drifting, you’ll lose that smile you’ve worked so hard for! That’s why we can’t stress enough how important it is to keep wearing your retainer post-treatment.

Be Wise About Wisdom Teeth

While your wisdom teeth may not be the cause for teeth shifting, it’s still important to know how they can still affect your overall oral health by learning about some problems they can potentially cause when they erupt, like:

• Sometimes wisdom teeth only partially emerge. If this happens a flap of skin can form, which has a bad habit of trapping food, which in turn can gause gum infections and possible tooth decay.
• Often times there won’t be enough room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth to fully erupt. They are unable to break through to the surface and become stuck in your gums and jaws. This is what’s known as being teeth being impacted.
• Painful cysts can form when the wisdom teeth become impacted. These can cause decay and infections to the surrounding tooth roots.
• If the back of your mouth is particularly crowded, wisdom teeth that come in at an angle will painfully rub against your cheeks.

How to Handle Your Wisdom Teeth

The biggest concern with wisdom teeth is that most patients we see just don’t have enough room for them in their mouth for the wisdom teeth to come in comfortably. And often times even when patients do have enough room for them. They are so far back in the mouth that they are hard to brush and floss them properly, leading to gum disease and oral decay.

Post-Braces

After your braces come off, wearing your retainer in a consistent manner and scheduling an appointment as soon as your wisdom teeth start coming in is the best way to avoid any potential problems. Plan on regular visits with us even after you’ve completed your orthodontic treatment.

To Sum It Up

Problems with overcrowding can generally be diagnosed long before the wisdom teeth erupt and they can be extracted to avoid any of the complications that come along with them. Wisdom teeth can even be removed while wearing braces. No need to worry if they start to appear during your orthodontic treatment. There’s also no need to remove wisdom teeth if there aren’t any problem with your’s, which means not everyone needs or has to have their’s removed. Again, it is paramount to wear your retainer every night once your braces come off. This will keep your teeth nice and straight. If you happen to notice it getting tighter, or it feels like there is a pressure in the back of your mouth, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit with us!

At Mateer Orthodontics, we want you to feel taken care of throughout your treatment with braces and beyond. Our team works hard to give you the smile you’ve always wanted and help you keep it. If you’re in the Commack area and are looking for more information about wisdom teeth and how they can affect your orthodontic treatment, get in touch with us today! We are more than willing to answer any questions you have and would be happy to schedule a free consultation at our office.

Sometimes adults can feel like the opportunity to get a gorgeous, healthy smile has passed them by. Most think that only children and teenagers get corrective orthodontic treatments, but it’s simply not true! While adolescence may be the best time to get braces or aligners, that doesn’t mean that’s the only time you can get straighter teeth. Adult orthodontic treatments are extremely effective in correcting crooked teeth, overbites, and a host of other oral issues adults have. There is no age limit when it comes to orthodontics!

At Mateer Orthodontics, we personalize solutions for patients of all ages that can be created to suit any situation. Many adult patients have now approached us either to seek treatment or just talk about the questions and concerns about being an adult with braces.

Why Seek Treatment?

Everyone wants a beautiful, healthy smile and having questions and concerns about how your smile looks is always a good reason to visit an orthodontist. By discussing your situation with a friendly, experienced professional like Dr. Mateer is a wonderful way to ensure your dental health is on-track. Even if you walk away with a clean bill of health, you know you have covered your bases.  

Changes During Adulthood

Like pretty much everything that happens with age, change is always possible, and that includes your teeth! Most people are under the misconception that teeth stop developing and shifting around once adolescence is over. It’s definitely a crucial time for your mouth, but it isn’t the only factor affecting your adult smile. Injuries, regularly applied exterior forces, and even natural factors can lead to adult changes in the mouth. These factors can lead to painful things like jaw pain, misalignment, and severe bites.

There’s No Better Time Than Right Now

There are a number of reasons that a patient might have delayed orthodontic treatment. It’s possible they couldn’t or didn’t want to see an orthodontist when they were younger. It’s also possible their oral issues are just now presenting themselves. Perhaps they are seeking treatment for aesthetic reasons, or they’ve been referred by their dentist in the interest of oral health. Bad bites and misaligned teeth can lead to severe issues like tooth decay and gum disease. That’s why we encourage patients of any age to receive the treatment they might have put off so that they can keep their teeth and gums as healthy as possible!

What Are the Concerns?

Adult orthodontic treatment does need to be undertaken a bit differently than adolescent treatment. The entire landscape of the mouth is different. There are just some extra considerations that need to be taken into account when treating adults that aren’t in play for their younger counterparts.

Previous Treatments

Sometimes when an adult patient has had a tooth extracted, it is hard to treat the area with an appliance. This isn’t an issue for all patients, but it is for some. When this happens, we guide the teeth to their correct alignment using a small, custom-made piece of prosthetic bone.

Bone Development

Since adult bones have had more time to develop, they are harder and have a more challenging time shifting into their desired spots with treatment. At times this means that orthodontic solutions will take longer than they would for younger patients, but not always. Treatment duration varies from person to person, and your orthodontist will be able to tell you more about your specific situation.

Pain

Braces and aligners are known to cause a bit of soreness for all patients, but thanks to modern orthodontic techniques, pain is becoming more and more rare with treatment. Now, you can expect some soreness for the first few days of treatment as you adjust to your braces or aligners, but so long as you keep up with proper maintenance, pain shouldn’t be an issue.

Aesthetics

People want to look attractive, and for many, traditional braces are just not the look most people are going for while they are a very effective and cost-efficient option. There are a some other more discreet alternatives that offer the same level of effectiveness.

Treatment Options for Adults

During your initial consultation, your orthodontist will do a thorough examination and discuss your personal situation with you. He or she will also go through all your treatment options. You may be surprised to know most adults deal with one or more of these issues:

• Crowded teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Gapped teeth
• A bad bite

At Mateer Orthodontics, we can treat these instances with a few noninvasive techniques.

Traditional Braces

One of the best options for busy adult patients, conventional metal braces are more sanitary, effective, and comfortable then they have ever been. Patients report that they become accustomed to wearing the brackets and wires quickly. So long as you take care of your braces, they’ll be removed in no time, and the only evidence that’ll remain is your new beautiful, straight smile.

Translucent Braces

Braces with clear or tooth-colored brackets are an option many people forget about, but they are an excellent option for those who would like their treatment to be a bit more discreet. For patients who select these clear braces, it’s important to know there are a bit more sensitive than their metal counterparts, so you’ll need to be extra careful when chewing sticky or tacky foods.

Invisalign

Invisalign clear aligners are a popular choice for many adult patients because they are almost invisible and totally removable. It allows them to eat and drink whatever they choose without the worry of foods getting stuck.

The Invisalign system involves of a series of custom-made thermoplastic tray aligners the patient replaces every two weeks on average. Progressively, these BPA-free aligners guide the teeth into their proper alignment. The treatment can consist of anywhere from 12 to 48 trays, but most patients have a relatively short treatment. Your orthodontist will give you the actual estimate once you discuss your treatment plan.  

Ready to Get Started?

We want to assure you that there is no better time than now to get a straighter and healthier smile, and there’s no such thing as “too late!” If you’re looking to get orthodontic treatment and you’re past the adolescent age, the best place to start is by contacting us for your initial consultation. From there we can talk about your needs, concerns, and possible treatment plans to create a beautiful, healthy smile! We hope to see you soon!

If you’ve recently learned that your smile could benefit from braces, you probably have a whole laundry list of questions, everything from whether or not they’ll hurt to what kind of foods you should avoid. Here at Mateer Orthodontics, one of the first questions we hear from patients is often “…but how long will I have to wear them?”  While there’s no easy answer, we can take a look at some of the factors that can impact treatment time, as well as the average estimated treatment times for braces. We’ll even discuss things you can do to possibly speed up your time spent in treatment! Let’s start with….

Factors that affect treatment time

Each patient is treated according to their own unique orthodontic issues, so there are several factors we have to take into consideration when looking at an estimated orthodontic treatment time. These can range from the age of the patient, to their adherence to recommendations, to the severity of their case. Because we can’t predict exactly how a patient will respond to treatment, the treatment times will vary from person to person.

Even though there’s no answer set in stone when it comes to the total time you’ll be in braces, taking all factors into consideration, braces tend to be worn for anywhere from roughly one to three years on average, for comprehensive treatment.

Wondering which factors play a part in determining treatment times? The single biggest factor in determining the length of time you’ll need to be in braces is the severity of your specific case. We also look at things like

• the amount of room available in your mouth
• the distance the teeth will have to travel to meet their goal
• the health of your teeth, gums, and supporting bone
• how closely you follow instructions

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children see an orthodontist by around the age of 7, and we agree. One of the biggest reasons why is because many potential problems can be caught early this way. Research has shown that the earlier someone gets braces, the faster their treatment will usually be. Generally speaking, the most optimal time for getting braces is around 11-14 years old. As long as dental development is normal, and barring any serious oral issues, treatment time can often be fairly quick at this age. Don’t worry if you’ve bypassed this window, though – even adult treatment can be more successful if you practice excellent oral hygiene!

For younger patients, it’s especially important to stress good dental hygiene, and the valuable role it plays in orthodontic treatment. Although traditional metal braces can make thorough brushing and flossing a little tricky, there are several products designed to make it easier, such as interdental toothbrushes and Waterpiks. By brushing and flossing at least twice a day, and strictly following instructions about caring for their teeth, our tween and teen patients can sometimes even cut time off how long they’ll need to wear braces.

Body response plays a part in treatment times, too. For some patients, the teeth move faster than normal, while for others, they move more slowly than we anticipate. These are factors that neither you nor your orthodontist can control. Even if you’re both vigilant about your braces treatment, we still need your teeth and jaws to cooperate in order for you to complete it in the time estimated.

Because there are so many different components to orthodontics, estimated treatment times can change at any point in the process. For example, damaged braces may have to be worn a bit longer as they’ll require repairs to be made. There are times where a patient’s teeth just aren’t cooperating with the process for some reason, and the orthodontist will have to make some adjustments and come up with a new estimate for when the braces are likely to come off. On the plus side, though, there may be times when teeth move faster than anticipated, and the braces can come off sooner than expected!

The part you play in treatment time

There is one way you can maintain some control over your treatment plan and how long your braces remain on, and that’s by always following the instructions you receive from your orthodontist! Getting the perfect diagnosis and treatment plan won’t mean much without your cooperation.

Paying special attention to your dental hygiene is a great way to work with your orthodontist to keep your treatment sailing along. But what else can you do to help ensure you complete your treatment within the estimated time?

To avoid any potential complications, it’s important to keep all your appointments and to visit your orthodontist as directed. To keep your treatment plan on schedule, you should try to always

• stick to all your scheduled appointment dates
• when you can’t, reschedule appointments as close to your original appointment date as possible
• arrive on time for your appointments
• take care of any required procedures in a timely manner to prevent complications
• follow your orthodontist’s guidelines on dental hygiene

It’s easier than you think to sabotage your own treatment! Doing any of the following things could result in more time in braces:

• missing, changing, or spreading your appointments out too far
• regularly arriving late to appointments
• putting off necessary procedures like surgeries, extractions, etc.
• frequently breaking or bending your wires or brackets between visits
• not practicing good oral hygiene

Diet is also an important, but often neglected, aspect of your oral health. When wearing braces, there are certain foods you should steer clear of because of the damage they can cause to your braces or teeth. This includes:

• anything hard, like popcorn, certain candy, raw apples or carrots
• anything sticky or chewy, such as caramel, tough cuts of meat, or gummy bears

You should also avoid acidic items (sodas, lemons, or oranges) and sugary foods and drinks (sweets, sodas, smoothies, and overly processed foods) because they can affect the enamel and bacteria levels in your teeth and mouth.

A little patience goes a long way

It’s important to remind yourself throughout the course of your treatment that no two smiles are the same. Understanding that not everyone will respond to orthodontic treatment in the same way will give you some much-needed perspective that will help keep you patiently waiting for the big day your braces come off!

The total treatment experience with Mateer Orthodontics

Here at Mateer Orthodontics, we take pride in providing an honest, caring approach to orthodontic treatment for all our patients. You’re not just another number to us! We believe that long-term treatment builds a meaningful relationship between our office and our patients, and that that can translate to a lifetime of better oral health.

If you’re in the Commack or surrounding areas, and want more information on how braces can have a positive impact on your life and your smile, get in touch with us today. We’re here to get you started on the road to a straighter smile!

It’s summer, and you know what that means: time to go outside and play your favorite sport! What is your favorite sport to play? Football, basketball, baseball? Or maybe you like to nothing more than to spend your days in the pool! Whatever the activity is, making sure your braces are on the right track is our goal. Protecting yourself during contact sports is pretty important. After all, you want to be able to get back into the game without any injuries.  We don’t want you to don’t to miss out on any of the fun on or off the field, and having braces shouldn’t stop you from enjoying any of your favorite sports. Sometimes, you can have a few minor accidents, but our goal is to reduce those best as possible, so there are some precautions that you should take in order to protect you and your smile. After all, braces will help make your smile the best version of itself and is a top priority for Mateer Orthodontics!

Having braces does limit the food that you can enjoy, but it doesn’t have to limit the sports you can play. That being said, you should take every precaution to protect your teeth, especially if the sport involves head contact of any sort. We want you to still enjoy your active life, but also to keep your future smile in mind.  Protecting those braces is of the utmost importance if you want to keep up with your treatment plan. Mateer Orthodontics is here to help you explore what choices you have for protecting your braces and what you should do if there is an accident.

Full Head Protection

If you are involved in any contact sports that have the potential of strikes or hits to the head, we recommend wearing full head protection. For the most part, if there is any potential for head injuries in a sport, the coach or administration will already be employing head protection.  This doesn’t mean you need to wear a helmet if you’re just walking out of the house; that may be a bit too overprotective, but you should still remain aware of your surroundings and cautious.

Mouthguards

Most contact sports usually require you to wear a mouthguard just as a precaution.  But if you are wearing braces and want to stay on track with your orthodontic treatment, these are a must.  There are a few options that you can pick from: stock mouth protectors, boil and bite protectors and custom fit protectors.

Stock mouth protectors are inexpensive mouthguards that you can buy from most sports stores. They can offer immediate protection, but they may not be the most comfortable.  Depending on how they fit, they could potentially cause more damage to your braces if you receive a blow to the face.  

Boil and Bite protectors are mouthguards that you can buy at most sports stores. These mouthguards mold to your teeth after being boiled in water, left to cool, and bit down on.  These are more comfortable than the stock mouthguards and can also offer more protection as they can mold around the brackets and wires protecting them.

Custom Mouth Protectors are going to offer you the most protection along with the comfort that most desire out of a mouthguard.  These you can get made by your orthodontist, and they protect not only your braces but the front of your mouth as well. With traditional mouthguards, they may not fit over the braces. The boil and bite may fit, but your teeth will be moving around during your orthodontic treatment, so they end up pushing back on your more aligned teeth! Having custom made orthodontic mouthguards is the best option for protecting your braces.  They will be able to protect and fit your teeth and braces because they are designed to fit comfortably over both.

Cleaning your custom mouthguard is also important as well: just use a toothbrush and hot water and lightly scrub around. This should get any of the grit or grime out of it and will make sure that you don’t have any unnecessary bacteria accumulating in your mouth.  

After you have selected how you want to protect your teeth, there are a few other precautions that you can take just in case there is an accident. Communicate to your coach that you have braces and are wearing a mouth guard. This will help keep them aware of any situations that could lead to an accident. If you want to have that beautiful smile you’ve been waiting for, you must stay on track with your orthodontic treatment, and if you have an accident, that could lengthen the time you have to wear them.

You should also keep the wax that is given to you by your orthodontist on hand just in case a wire pops-out or breaks and you need to stop it from poking you. If your braces require rubber bands, make sure you have an extra few of those as well. Also, you should have the emergency contact information for the orthodontist. If you break a bracket or snap a wire, you should call your orthodontist immediately and schedule an appointment.  If there is an accident or any problems with your braces it could cause damage to the teeth and increase the time needed for the orthodontic treatment.

We want everyone to have a wonderful summer enjoying your favorite sports or activities. Having braces shouldn’t deter you from participating in all the summer festivities. Just take these precautions, and you should have a fun filled holiday. However, if you do have an accident in Commack, NY or the surrounding area, please don’t hesitate to call us at (631) 462-1970 or schedule an appointment online. Mateer Orthodontics is here to keep you on track with your orthodontic treatment to create that beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!