The Jorgensen Orthodontics Blog

Posts Tagged ‘orthodontic’

Is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment Really Necessary?

Posted by Dr. Jorgensen on June 16th, 2011

Your best friend says, “One of my daughter’s little friends just got braces on. She is only seven years old, and hasn’t even lost all her baby teeth. Isn’t she too young for orthodontic treatment?” How would you answer? Two-phase orthodontic treatment (also known as early, preventative, or interceptive treatment) is an approach to care that remains controversial in some professional circles. While a few university studies suggest that the same bite can be achieved in a single phase of braces after all the permanent teeth are in, these studies do not take into consideration all the variables that are…

Home Remedies for Orthodontic Emergencies

Posted by Dr. Jorgensen on May 18th, 2011

If you have braces in your mouth for two years, chances are pretty good that you’ll have at least one orthodontic emergency. Are there emergencies that can be handled at home? What can you do between now and your appointment with the orthodontist? An orthodontic emergency exists when something unexpected occurs with your braces that causes discomfort or unexpected tooth movement. In several earlier articles I have outlined various kinds of orthodontic emergencies including trauma, sores and swelling, loose or broken braces, and unexpected tooth movements (mostly over-correction). Your orthodontist and his staff undoubtedly gave you some instructions on how…

Emergency! Are My Teeth Supposed to Move Like This?

Posted by Dr. Jorgensen on May 10th, 2011

Most patients realize there is an emergency when a wire is poking, a bracket is loose, or there has been trauma to their mouth while wearing braces. Another kind of emergency occurs when unexpected movements of the teeth occur, even though there is nothing wrong with the braces themselves. During the first few months of treatment, there will be all kinds of tooth movement associated with your braces. As expected, most crooked teeth start to look better right away. As part of the straightening process however, some teeth that were once straight may actually look worse temporarily. Teeth that were…

How many hours do I need to wear my orthodontic retainer?

Posted by Dr. Jorgensen on March 1st, 2011

My orthodontist told me to wear my retainer every night but my friend has to wear hers 24/7 for the first 6 months. Why the difference? Is there any research to support one approach over the other? There is no happier day for an orthodontic patient than the day your braces come off. It is the culmination of months of difficult brushing, flossing, watching what you eat, and wearing those pesky rubber bands. The last thing in the world you want is for the teeth to move. So how much retainer wear is really needed? As I’ve discussed in previous…

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