Ortho 101
Achieving Your Confident Smile
Discover when early orthodontic treatment is necessary, explore treatment alternatives for every age group, learn how to handle at-home discomfort, maintain proper oral hygiene while wearing braces, receive retention tips, make informed dietary decisions, and understand the benefits of rapid palatal expanders. PT Orthodontics is committed to providing support and guidance at every stage.
Make Your Dream Smile a Reality
Understanding Orthodontic Treatment
Learn everything about orthodontic treatment, from early stages to dietary recommendations, and depend on PT Orthodontics in Oxford to assist you in achieving lasting healthy, confident smiles.
When To See an Orthodontist?
We’re ready to answer your questions and address your concerns. If you’re experiencing misaligned teeth, bite problems, or other oral and jaw changes, we can identify and treat the underlying causes. Early treatment is especially beneficial for children, and we suggest their initial orthodontic appointment between ages 6 and 8. Adults can also achieve excellent outcomes with our efficient and often less noticeable treatment choices. In addition to improving your smile, orthodontic care at PT Orthodontics in Oxford contributes to lasting dental health. We’re here to guide you through your entire orthodontic experience.
Early Treatment
We at PT Orthodontics in Oxford focus on excellent orthodontic care for children. The American Association of Orthodontists advises that children have an orthodontic check-up by age 7 to follow their growth and spot any bite irregularities. Treatment often begins between 9 and 14, taking advantage of the jaw’s natural development. We are experts in correcting common orthodontic problems such as crossbites, overcrowding, protruding teeth, and underbites. Furthermore, we actively address childhood habits like thumb-sucking and mouth breathing to prevent future complications, supporting your child’s dental and general health, and frequently reducing the need for more complex future procedures.
Adolescent Treatment
At PT Orthodontics, we provide specialized orthodontic care for teenagers, ensuring a confident, healthy smile during this pivotal stage of growth. Since the jaw is still developing, it’s the perfect time to address misalignment, overcrowding, and bite concerns for long-term oral health. Using cutting-edge technology and personalized treatment options—such as braces or clear aligners—we create a seamless and effective experience. Our goal is to enhance both the look and function of your teen’s smile, promoting lasting dental wellness.
Adult Treatment
We proudly serve adults in Oxford and the wider community, with adults representing a large portion of our patient base. You’re never too old to achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Free yourself from embarrassment and embrace a more confident you. Our specialists are dedicated to addressing your individual needs and enhancing your quality of life. We offer diverse treatment choices, including traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and removable clear aligners, each with distinct advantages.
Orthodontic Expertise Across All Age Groups
Through years of practice, we have provided tailored orthodontic care that has resulted in healthy, beautiful smiles for patients across all age groups.
Home-Based Solutions for Orthodontic Pain
When experiencing mild discomfort from braces, examine for any wires that are protruding or misaligned. Wires can be gently repositioned onto the bracket or sharp edges trimmed with nail clippers. Tweezers can also aid in guiding loose wires back into place. For relief from cheek sores or cuts, rinse with warm salt water. In case of any serious orthodontic emergency, please contact us at (256) 770-4020.
Proper Dental Care with Braces
During orthodontic treatment, especially with braces, it’s crucial to keep your mouth clean. Use special toothbrushes and flossing tools to clean around wires and brackets. Brush your teeth after each meal and floss every day to avoid cavities and gum issues. Regular check-ups with your orthodontist at PT Orthodontics will ensure your mouth stays healthy during treatment.
Retention
PT Orthodontics, serving Oxford and nearby communities, frequently sees patients maintaining their beautiful smiles long after treatment. To ensure your teeth stay perfectly aligned, regardless of the treatment, our team will develop a personalized retention strategy. Because teeth can shift, wearing a retainer is crucial for maintaining your smile. Keep your retainer clean by gently brushing it with a soft toothbrush or soaking it in denture cleaner or alcohol-free mouthwash.
Foods Best Avoided
To keep your braces in good condition, avoid consuming hard, sticky, and sugary items, which can lead to damage or decay. Don’t bite your nails or chew on pens. Steer clear of sticky foods like gum, licorice, toffee, and caramels, as they can harm your braces. Hard foods like ice, nuts, and whole apples or carrots should also be avoided. Consume sugary snacks sparingly and limit sugary drinks to one per day. Regularly examine your braces for any bent or loose components. If you notice any problems, reach out to PT Orthodontics for prompt repairs.
