Category: Blog

Tips to Follow After Getting Metal Braces Treatment

Posted on by Dean Steinman

Have you just gotten your Metal Braces in Newburgh NY recently? Welcome to the community! You’re at the start of your tremendous journey to beautiful teeth, and we couldn’t be more excited! 

That being said, the moment you have braces, you need to start paying even more attention to your teeth and practicing the proper care treatment for braces in order to ensure that the treatment remains effective all throughout. One wrong move can damage your braces, your teeth, or both. The last thing you want is to have cavities or tooth decay in the middle of your braces treatment.

Getting Metal Braces

Here are 5 helpful tips to follow after getting metal braces treatment.

#1 – Brush At Least Twice a Day

Prior to getting metal braces, we all have been told to brush at least two times a day, right? Well, you need to maintain that habit especially after getting metal braces. As much as possible, brush your teeth right after every meal, because you want to avoid harboring bacteria inside your mouth now that you have braces on.

By brushing as often as you can, you eliminate all the bacteria that contribute to the development of cavities and even tooth decay. One thing to take note of is to brush correctly and not aggressively. Some have a habit of brushing too hard which can damage the gums and braces.

#2 – Don’t Forget About Flossing

Besides brushing your teeth regularly, you mustn’t forget about flossing! Flossing is also important when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene. With braces, it’s a bit trickier to floss which is why our Orthodontist in Newburgh NY  will demonstrate to you how to floss properly with braces.

Additionally, food particles can easily get stuck in between the crevices of the bracket and wires, which makes flossing a necessary step in cleaning your teeth. It eliminates the hidden bacteria which can produce plaque buildup if not spotted immediately.

So, if you haven’t purchased yourself some dental floss yet then now’s the time to finally do so, in order to decrease your chances of accumulating plaque and bacteria.

#3 – Avoid Using Your Teeth as a Tool

Sometimes we use our teeth to open things like bottles, hard-to-open packaging, peanut shells, and many more. This is a habit you must refrain from doing the minute you get braces. This will damage the overall structure of the braces and alter your teeth’s alignment, making the entire treatment null. You would have to spend even more money and time just to repair the brackets and wires and also to make up for the lost time.

If you are fond of doing this, then maybe it’s about time for you to pick up a handy bottle opener or an all-in-one tool so that you no longer have to use your teeth.

#4 – Don’t Skip Your Visit to the Orthodontist

When your orthodontist schedules a visit with you, you have to abide by the plan. Your orthodontist is here to help you and not make your life miserable. These scheduled visits are vital because they will have to check on the progress and inspect the current situation of your teeth and braces.

Additionally, they’ll be able to see if there’s a wire poking out or a loose bracket and fix it immediately. So, don’t be afraid to visit your orthodontist especially if there’s a scheduled visit.

#5 – Refrain From Eating Foods That Can Damage Your Braces

Avoid eating foods that are crunchy, sticky, chewing, or involves a lot of bite into them as it can potentially damage your braces. By this time already you know that there are food restrictions while you’re wearing your braces. Not only can these kinds of food destroy the structure of your braces, but they can be a bit tedious to remove when you’re cleaning your teeth.

As much as you’re craving them, do yourself a favor and try to hold off on eating these foods for the time being. You’ll thank yourself in the long run, trust us.

Additional Tips to Follow After Getting Metal Braces

Taking care of your teeth and braces at the same time can seem like a daunting task, but once you get the hang of it, then the rest is like clockwork.

With those five tips, you’re sure to have a pleasant experience with your braces. However, if you’d like to know more then here are some more key points for you to follow after getting metal braces.

#1 – Rinse with a saltwater solution

Rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution is key especially if you feel like the inside of your mouth is feeling irritated by the braces. It helps to keep any inflammation at bay, and also prevents you from getting any sores inside your mouth.

Simply add a teaspoon of salt to lukewarm water and swish it around your mouth for a few minutes before rinsing it out. It’s one of the most simple yet effective treatments to prevent sores and the spread of infection.

#2 – Use orthodontic wax

Orthodontic wax is great for keeping your braces moisturized. A dry mouth can harbor bacteria and be more prone to irritation. Additionally, the wax will stop your tongue, lips, gums, and cheeks from coming into contact with your braces, alleviating any uncomfortable feeling you have.

Take off a pea-sized amount of wax and push it gently toward the troublesome areas in your mouth.

Avoid grinding your teeth

Also known as bruxism, grinding your teeth excessively is a habit you need to kill as soon as you’re getting metal braces. Persistent grinding or clenching can cause your teeth to break, and for someone with braces, it can damage them as well. Bruxism can undo the hard work your braces have made and the entire treatment process can end up kaput.

Before getting metal braces, you must let your orthodontist know if you have any extreme habits like that so that they can be treated prior to the treatment.

Conclusion

Here at Northeastern Braces, we want what’s best for you and your teeth. We’re a team of happy orthodontists in Newburgh or Newburgh, NY. Contact us today and we’ll be eager enough to answer any concerns you have regarding braces.

10 Tips to Know About Your First Week of Wearing Braces

Posted on by Dean Steinman

Congratulations on your braces journey! You’re on the right path to better alignment and a better smile. The first few days are going to be tough, so here’s everything you need to know about your first week of wearing braces.

Ask as Many Questions as Needed

Need clarification on certain things? We’ll help you how to navigate your new life with Metal braces in Newburgh, from the kinds of food to eat to how to take care of them properly. It’s important to ask these questions before you leave the clinic so that you’re well-prepared on how to deal with your braces on your own. Don’t be afraid to ask, as the orthodontist will be more than happy to help you out.

Take Over-the-Counter Medicine Beforehand

While you should never feel intense braces pain during the first week or at any point of the treatment, it’s normal for your teeth to feel achy and a bit tender after getting your braces installed. It’s also possible to feel tenderness after getting them readjusted. The slight discomfort means that the treatment is doing its job of moving your teeth into their ideal positions. Thankfully the uncomfortable feeling dissipates after a day or two.

You can be one step ahead by taking over-the-counter medicine before the initial appointment. This way, the pain reliever will be in effect by the time your braces begin to exert any pressure on your teeth. You can also continue to take medicine during your first week of wearing braces. If the pain is still unbearable, do not hesitate to give us a call.

Just Keep Talking

Not a lot of people actually notice a difference in the way they talk after getting braces, but there are some that start to speak differently or produce a lot of salivae while talking. This is more common with Invisalign or lingual braces. If this happens during your first week of wearing braces, don’t worry about it! Your speech will go back to normal the moment your tongue gets used to the appliance inside your mouth.

To make the process much faster, just keep talking. Talk to yourself, talk to your friends, talk to the phone, or read words out loud. The more you talk, the faster you’ll get used to wearing braces, and your regular speech pattern will resume.

Eat Soft Foods

Wondering what to eat during your first week of wearing braces? Dentists and orthodontists recommend every patient eat soft and cold foods and drinks because they’re easy on the teeth and won’t add extra discomfort. The coldness coming from the food and drinks can help numb your mouth a bit. Examples of soft foods are smoothies, yogurt, soup, and mashed potatoes. 

When you feel like you can go back to your regular diet once again, you may do so as long as you avoid the list of foods that brace wearers can’t eat. Your orthodontist in Newburgh will brief you on this, but these are chewy, hard, and sticky foods. Eating these kinds of food can damage your braces.

Have Orthodontic Wax Nearby

Orthodontic wax, often times referred to as braces wax, can potentially be your best friend during your first week of wearing braces. When you start wearing them, the braces can irritate the inside of your lips, tongue, and cheeks. This is not uncommon, your mouth will get tougher, and the irritation will dissipate. However, it’s always smart to have your orthodontic wax nearby.

Using orthodontic wax is easy. All you have to do is break off a small piece of the wax and roll it between your fingers to warm it up, and place it on the area that needs it. Make sure that the troubled area is dry and clean, as the wax will get rid of the irritation and sores.

Rinse with Saltwater

Rinsing with saltwater helps speed up the healing process and prevents any uncomfortable feelings. You can easily make a saltwater rinse by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in warm water. You can rinse with saltwater a bunch of times a day if necessary.

First Week of Wearing Braces

Curate a To-Go Kit For When You’re Out

Good braces hack is having a designated to-go kit filled with braces supplies. Take this kit with you whenever you’re out of your house. This is so that you always have what you need should the situation call for you to use it. You’ll have no issues brushing your teeth after eating, and you can easily remove any food particles stuck between your teeth when you’re outside.

Here are some essential items you should have in your kit:

  • A small mirror
  • Toothbrush
  • Interproximal brushes
  • Dental floss
  • Orthodontic wax

Wear a Mouthguard

If you play a lot of sports or engage in physical activities, it’s important to wear a mouthguard. If you don’t and you get hit in the face with your braces on, the brackets and wires can wound or cut the insides of your mouth, which would require you to schedule a repair appointment. This is why a lot of athletes wear this.

Exhibit Good Oral Hygiene

The brackets and wires in your braces tend to have food stuck in them which develops into plaque. To prevent attaining cavities and gum disease, you have to brush your teeth with braces a lot more than you did prior to wearing braces.

Brush your teeth in the morning, after eating, and before you sleep with fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush that’s soft-bristled. Avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes because they are rough on tender gums and teeth. Don’t forget to floss at least once every day.

Motivate Yourself With the End Result

Your first week of wearing braces is going to be challenging. Brackets and wires are installed, and suddenly your cheeks, lips, and tongue are sharing space with them. Your teeth feel sensitive, and now you have to floss and brush your teeth in a different way using different techniques.

If this overwhelms you, remember why you got braces in the first place and look forward to the end result once the treatment finishes.

Once the first week passes, everything will be much easier for you. If you have any other questions or concerns, or perhaps you’re ready to start your braces journey, then you can reach out to us here! We’ll happily assist you with any concerns you have or help you schedule an appointment.

Orthodontic Emergency Care: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by Dean Steinman

There are only a handful of orthodontic emergencies, most of which can be treated at home. So, what does one do when they’re faced with an emergency? In this blog, our orthodontist in Newburgh will tell you how to prepare yourself for any unforeseen circumstances!

Signs You Need Orthodontic Emergency

Sometimes you can’t tell if you need an orthodontic emergency until the situation has become severe. Here are telltale signs that you need it.

Severe pain or discomfort

Severe pain or discomfort is a result of a number of orthodontic issues, including:

  • Loose or broken brackets or wires: A loose or broken bracket or wire can irritate the soft tissues in your mouth, causing pain or discomfort.
  • Protrusion of broken wire: A broken wire can stick out and irritate the soft tissue in the mouth, causing pain or discomfort.
  • Ulceration or injury to the tongue, lips, or cheeks caused by orthodontic appliances: Brackets and wires can rub against the soft tissues in your mouth, causing ulcers or injuries.
  • Lost or loose spacers: Spacers are small rubber bands that are placed between your molars to create space for orthodontic treatment. If a spacer becomes loose or falls out, it can cause pain or discomfort.
  • Damage to the jaw joint: Orthodontic treatment can put extra stress on your jaw joint, causing pain or discomfort.

Broken or loose bracket wire

A broken or loose bracket or wire can bring different issues that require orthodontic emergency care, including:

  • Irritation or injury to the soft tissues in your mouth: A broken or loose bracket or wire can rub against the soft tissues in your mouth, causing irritation, ulcers, or injuries.
  • Misalignment of your teeth: A broken or loose bracket or wire can cause your teeth to shift out of place, disrupting your orthodontic treatment and potentially causing bite issues or other problems.
  • Uncomfortable or painful: A broken bracket or wire can be uncomfortable or painful, especially if it is poking into the soft tissue in your mouth.

Lost or damaged retainer

If you lose or accidentally damage your retainers, it can cause several issues that need orthodontic emergency care, including:

  • Teeth shifting out of place: Retainers are used to keep your teeth in the correct position after orthodontic treatment. Without a retainer, your teeth may shift out of place, disrupting your treatment and potentially causing bite issues or other problems.
  • Difficulty speaking or eating: A lost or damaged retainer can make it difficult to speak or eat properly, causing discomfort or embarrassment.
  • Relapse of orthodontic treatment: Retainers are used to prevent the relapse of orthodontic treatment. If not worn, the teeth can shift back to their original position, which can result in a relapse of orthodontic treatment and cause additional cost and time.

Lost filling or crown

A lost filling or crown can cause a lot of issues where orthodontic emergency care is needed, including:

  • Pain or discomfort: A lost filling or crown can expose the sensitive nerves in your tooth, causing pain or discomfort.
  • Tooth sensitivity: A lost filling or crown can also cause tooth sensitivity, especially when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and liquids.
  • Increased risk of tooth decay: A lost filling or crown can leave the tooth exposed to bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
  • Impact on Orthodontic treatment: A lost filling or crown can also affect the orthodontic treatment. The missing filling or crown can cause tooth movement or shifting, which may disrupt the progress of the treatment.

Tooth Loss

Tooth loss can cause multiple problems that require orthodontic emergency care, such as:

  • Pain or discomfort: A lost tooth can cause pain or discomfort, especially if the surrounding gums are inflamed or infected.
  • Impact on Orthodontic treatment: A lost tooth can also affect the orthodontic treatment; the missing tooth can cause tooth movement or shifting, which may disrupt the progress of the treatment.
  • Difficulty speaking or eating: A lost tooth can make it difficult to speak or eat properly, causing discomfort or embarrassment.
  • Affecting appearance: A lost tooth can also affect the appearance of your smile and make you self-conscious.
  • Impact on overall oral health: The loss of a tooth can also affect the overall oral health, as the missing tooth can cause changes in bite and jaw alignment, leading to the potential loss of other teeth and other oral health problems.

Protruding broken wire

There are many concerns caused due to protrusion of a broken wire that need orthodontic emergency assistance, including:

  • Irritation or injury to the soft tissues in your mouth: A protruding wire can rub against the soft tissues in your mouth, causing irritation, ulcers, or injuries.
  • Pain or discomfort: A protruding wire can be uncomfortable or painful, especially if it is poking into the soft tissue in your mouth.
  • Impact on Orthodontic treatment: A protruding wire can also affect orthodontic treatment. It can cause tooth movement or shifting, which may disrupt the progress of the treatment.
  • Difficulty speaking or eating: A protruding wire can make it difficult to speak or eat properly, causing discomfort or embarrassment.

orthodontic emergency

How to Handle Orthodontic Emergency Care at Home

Here is a guide on how to handle orthodontic emergencies at home:

#1 – Call your orthodontist

The first step in handling an orthodontic emergency is to call your orthodontist and schedule an emergency appointment. They will be able to diagnose the issue and provide appropriate treatment to alleviate your symptoms.

#2 – Control any bleeding

If you are experiencing bleeding in your mouth, use a clean piece of gauze to apply pressure to the area. If the bleeding does not stop, seek immediate medical attention.

#3 – Relieve pain and discomfort

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You can also use orthodontic wax or a wet cotton swab to cover any sharp or protruding wires or brackets.

#4 – Handling a lost retainer

If you have lost your retainer, try to find it and keep it in a safe place. If you are unable to find it, contact your orthodontist to schedule an appointment to have a new one made.

#5 – Dealing with a lost filling or crown

If you have lost a filling or crown, try to find it and keep it in a safe place. If you are unable to find it, contact your orthodontist and dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to have a new one made.

#6 – Handle a lost or broken separation device

If you have lost or broken your separation device, contact your orthodontist to schedule an appointment to have a new one made.

#7 – Have a protruding wire

If you have a protruding wire, use orthodontic wax or a wet cotton swab to cover the wire and make it less irritating. If the wire cannot be covered, use a clean pair of scissors or nail clippers to clip the protruding wire as close to the bracket as possible.

#8 – Experiencing a broken or loose bracket or wire

If you have a broken or loose bracket or wire, use orthodontic wax or a wet cotton swab to cover the wire and make it less irritating. If the bracket or wire cannot be covered, contact your orthodontist to schedule an emergency appointment.

It is important to remember that while these steps may provide temporary relief, it is still necessary to see an orthodontist as soon as possible to fully address the problem and avoid any long-term damage to your teeth or gums.

Partner with Northeastern Braces for Your Orthodontic Emergency Care Needs

If you experience an orthodontic emergency in Newburgh, we encourage you to visit Northeastern Braces as soon as you can. You can be more prone to discomfort and delay your treatment plan if you postpone your trip. 

We are located in Newburgh and Newburgh, NY, and we are just one call and message away from answering your inquiries and concerns.

Clear Braces: A Popular Orthodontic Treatment Option

Posted on by Dean Steinman

Clear braces have been a popular orthodontic treatment over the past years, with so many patients satisfied with their results. But what makes this treatment option so popular and well-loved by many?

In this article, our orthodontist in Newburgh will discuss what clear braces actually are, their benefits, and how they differ from metal braces. So, keep reading to learn more!

What are Clear Braces?

Clear braces are an alternative option to traditional braces and are created to help move teeth into their ideal positions. They are also known as ceramic braces. Similar to metal braces, It exerts gentle pressure to control the movement of the tooth. However, they use ceramic brackets and frosted wires to match the color of your teeth.

Benefits of Wearing Clear Braces

Need more convincing as to why clear braces are a great orthodontic treatment option? Here are some of the many advantages of wearing clear braces.

1. Less noticeable than metal braces

This is the first thing that people learn about braces and, usually, the most common reason why they opt to get one. Clear braces are almost unnoticeable when the person is wearing them due to the wires and brackets having a similar shade to the patient’s teeth.

2. Helps bring back self-confidence

Clear braces help teens who are struggling with self-confidence to feel much better because they’ll be able to blend in easily without people immediately recognizing they’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. For adults, if they have a job that requires a lot of interaction with people, then their smile plays a big role because it lets others know that they are friendly, approachable, and trustworthy.

3. Just as effective as metal braces

Clear braces are not just a more subtle way of straightening teeth. They are just as effective as traditional braces when it comes to treating most orthodontic issues. It sometimes leads to shorter treatment times since the forces applied to the patient’s teeth are more precise. Issues ceramic braces and clear braces can be used to fix include:

  • Overbites
  • Underbites
  • Crossbites
  • Crooked teeth
  • Overjets

4. It is easier to maintain proper dental hygiene

Treating teeth alignment concerns improves a person’s dental and overall health. Poorly-aligned teeth can be difficult to clean since some teeth might get in the way of brushing and flossing. As a result, a person’s risk of tooth decay and gum disease is increased.

It is easier for the patient to maintain the cleanliness of their mouth when they’re treating teeth misalignment issues. It helps to prevent any plaque from building up on their teeth.

5. They are more comfortable than metal braces

Clear braces are one of the most comfortable treatment options when it comes to fixing teeth alignment issues. The brackets of braces are much smaller and rounder, and ceramic material means that they are less likely to cause an uncomfortable feeling or irritation to your gums. Overall, the experience with ceramic braces is a lot more manageable than its metal counterparts.

Clear Braces

Clear Braces vs. Metal Braces

Clear braces and metal braces share a similar design to attain straight teeth and a healthy smile, but the ultimate difference is the material used to make brackets.

Metal braces have brackets that are made out of stainless steel that’s medical-grade, whereas clear braces use a polycrystalline alumina that can either be the same color as your tooth or just transparent. The stainless steel is very noticeable against the color of your teeth, so ceramic brackets are attractive for their discreet appearance. They are also called ceramic braces since the brackets can be transparent.

The flexible metal archwire that connects the brackets can also be made of a lighter color for braces, including silver, white, or a frosted tone that matches the brackets. The combination of tooth-colored brackets and archwire makes your clear braces nearly invisible to others, making this option popular for university students or working adults who want to achieve straight teeth without having the “metal mouth” look.

There are great cosmetic benefits to ceramic braces, but there are also disadvantages when compared to metal braces. Clear braces are known to be less durable than metal braces, as the bracket material isn’t as strong as stainless steel. However, advanced technology has been making innovations and improvements for clear braces, so its structure is not as fragile as before. However, this still makes compliance and care very important: you shouldn’t have any crunchy foods or hard candies with ceramic braces due to the risk of breaking.

Clear brackets are also more prone to staining due to their lighter color. Ceramic or clear braces users should limit their consumption of dark foods and beverages like tea, coffee, red wine, ketchup, curry, and the like. All of these can stain or discolor the clear or tooth-colored brackets. As a solution, you can drink through a straw or brush your teeth immediately afterward to lessen the risk of staining.

Conclusion

Northeastern Braces is devoted to offering affordable solutions to dentistry patients. Clear braces in Newburgh are a treatment option that can help you achieve your desired smile in a faster time frame compared to metal braces.

To schedule your consultation, please call us at (917) 801-3600 (for Newburgh patients) or (845) 863-0500 (for Newburgh patients). You can also check our website for information about orthodontics, braces treatment, and taking good care of your oral health. 

You can also book an appointment online. We can’t wait to help you achieve a beautiful smile!

 

Braces & Invisalign in the Newburgh, NY

Posted on by Pres mult

Starting orthodontics can be stressful, and the thought of having a mouth full of metal may not sound appealing. However, orthodontia has evolved over the years, and the look of braces has changed drastically. Northeastern Braces will answer all your questions about braces & Invisalign in the Newburgh, NY.

What Options Do I Have for Braces & Invisalign in the Newburgh, NY?

Northeastern Braces offers several options to help patients achieve straight and beautiful teeth. During your free consultation, you will learn which treatment plan is best for you.

Braces Have Evolved

Over the last 20 years, traditional braces have changed. These days you can expect the traditional metal braces to be more low-profile with smaller brackets. Also, Northeastern Braces offers clear ceramic braces if you prefer the aesthetic of having less-visible braces. Both options are cemented to the teeth and use wires and bands that switch out as orthodontic care progresses.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Northeastern Braces also offers Invisalign clear aligners for adults and teens. The clear aligners are popular with patients who do not wish to wear braces with brackets. Also, those who are in contact sports or play an instrument like that the aligners are removable. Being able to remove the aligners improves comfort while participating in these activities.

Invisalign comes in a set of aligners that are switched out every two to three weeks. Over time, the teeth move into their correct position. Patients wear aligners up to 22 hours a day, so they are removable while eating and cleaning the teeth.

Schedule Your Free Consultation to Discover More About Braces & Invisalign in the Newburgh, New York

Northeastern Braces offers a variety of affordable orthodontic treatments for children and adults, including braces and Invisalign. You can even get a payment plan. We keep our appointment times, so you won’t have to wait, and you will love our staff. Call our Newburgh, NY, office at (845) 863-0500  to schedule your free consultation. During your visit, we can show you how we are the best office in your search results for “braces & Invisalign in the Newburgh, NY.”

What is Invisalign?

Posted on by Dean Steinman

If you are looking for an Invisalign provider near Beacon, NY trust the professionals at Northeastern Braces. There is no age restrictions when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Thats why at Northeastern Braces we treat patients of all ages.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a teeth-aligning technology that utilizes clear plastic trays that are changed periodically to gently adjust the position of your teeth.  A course of treatment is developed using a computer-aided design program, and the Invisalign clear aligner trays are created specifically for the patient and their treatment goals.

There are a number of other benefits that come with choosing Invisalign. Some include:

·      Comfort: Invisalign clear align trays are smooth, and don’t have hard metal materials that can cause abraisions to your tongue and cheek.

·      Removable: You have a special event coming up? Simply remove the aligner trays. Scared you’ll have to make lifestyle changes? Nope. There are no food restrictions with Invisalign because they are removable.

·      Less time: Invisalign near Beacon, NY requires less visits to the orthodontist, which means more time for you!

Contact the professionals at Northeastern Braces today to find out more about how we can help you with Invisalign near Beacon, NY  845-863-0501

What Are Clear Braces near Cornwall On Hudson?

Posted on by Dean Steinman

At Northeastern Braces we provide a variety of types of braces. Aside from traditional metal braces, another option when it comes to braces are clear braces near Cornwall on Hudson, NY. Clear braces are made of clear ceramic material for the brackets. These brackets tend to be smaller and more smooth when compared to metal braces. They are also beneficial because they less noticable than metal brackets as well.

At Northeastern Braces, we strive to provide quality orthodontic care to patients and treat our patients the way we’d like to be treated, with respect, sensitivity, and the highest level of professionalism. To find out more about how Northeastern Braces near Cornwall on Hudson can help you on your journey to a brigher more healthier smile, feel free to contact us at: 845-863-0501