4 Ways to Help Your Child As They Complete Braces Treatment

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It’s common for children to have crooked and misaligned teeth. To correct the problem, your child may need braces from the orthodontist in Columbia, SC. At Tompkins Orthodontics, we help kids and their parents get through braces treatment.

We love to provide advice and answer questions to help patients take care of their teeth and braces. If you’re a parent who would like to support your child’s braces treatment, here are some things you can do.

1. Serve Braces-Friendly Foods at Meal Time

Hard, crusty foods can be hard on your child’s braces. One way that you can help your child avoid breaking their braces is by serving braces-friendly foods. Avoid serving foods like crusty breads, hard candies, nuts, and raw vegetables. Serving your child soft foods like pasta, oatmeal, yogurt, and cooked vegetables, you can help your child get the nutrition they need.

2. Serve Low-Sugar Snacks

Sugar is bad for your child’s teeth. When sugary foods get caught in your child’s braces, this can cause cavities and tooth decay. Serving your child low-sugar snacks like boiled eggs can help your child maintain healthy teeth.

3. Encourage Your Child to Brush Their Teeth

As long as they’re wearing braces, your child should brush their teeth after every meal. Remind your child to brush their teeth after meals, and provide your child with the supplies (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc) to make that possible. Buy your child an extra toothbrush to bring with them to school and after-school activities.

4. Take Your Child for Braces Adjustments

Your child will need regular braces adjustments to help gently move their teeth into place. Make and keep your child’s appointments with the orthodontist. This will help ensure that your child’s teeth continue to make progress, and will prevent your child’s orthodontic treatment from taking longer than necessary.

Contact Us for Braces Treatment in Columbia, SC

Does your child need braces treatment in Columbia, SC? If so, contact the orthodontic professionals at Tompkins Orthodontics. We can help straighten your child’s teeth. We’re also happy to answer your questions. Call today.

6 Answers to Questions Your Teen May Ask About Braces

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Many teens have questions about braces. Your orthodontist in Columbia and Irmo, SC, may have questions as well! If your teen has questions about braces, then the dental professionals at Tompkins Orthodontics have answers.

We’re happy to answer your teen’s questions directly, but in this article, we’ll address some of the most common questions that teens bring to us about braces.

1. How long will I have to wear braces?

Many teens wear braces for one-and-a-half to two years. The length of time depends on the severity of their condition. Find out from the orthodontist when your child comes in for a dental evaluation.

2. Why am I wearing braces?

People typically wear braces to realign their teeth. If your child has crooked teeth, crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, or misaligned jaw, the orthodontist may recommend braces. Braces will help straighten the teeth to make them more attractive, and will also help them line up better for improved chewing and bite.

3. Will I have to wear a retainer? 

Most people need to wear a retainer after braces treatment. Wearing a retainer helps keep the teeth in place after they’ve been moved to the correct position.

4. What can I eat while wearing braces?

Braces are easily damaged by hard foods like crusty breads, hard nuts, and sticky or hard candies. Your orthodontist will likely recommend soft foods while your child is wearing braces.

5. Will getting braces hurt?

Getting braces should not hurt, but your child may experience discomfort the day after braces are installed or adjusted. Braces work by gently moving the teeth to a new position, and that can be uncomfortable. Once your child has adjusted to each new position, then the discomfort should go away.

6. How should I take care of braces?

Brush your teeth after each meal, once in the morning, and before bedtime. You should also floss at least once daily. The orthodontist will show you how to floss with braces in Columbia and Irmo, SC. Call today to make an appointment.

When Should My Child Be Evaluated For Braces?

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If your child has crooked or misaligned teeth, braces can help solve the problem. Your child’s orthodontist in Columbia, SC, can help. At Tompkins Orthodontics, we offer orthodontic treatment to help our patients realign their teeth and jaw. Braces are a tried-and-true product that has been helping patients improve their smile for decades.

It’s important to get your child evaluated for braces as soon as they’re old enough. Knowing when your child is old enough is crucial for getting your child to the orthodontist at the appropriate time.

When to Evaluate For Braces

Kids can be evaluated for braces as early as 7 years old. Some kids get orthodontic treatment before they’ve lost all their baby teeth.

Is Earlier Better?

Earlier is better when you’re getting your child orthodontic treatment. Waiting a long time to get your child evaluated for braces can cause the problem to get worse, so your child will have a longer treatment time. Getting your child to the orthodontist early can save money and time.

Who Needs to Be Evaluated?

The majority of children can benefit from orthodontic treatment. It’s estimated that 50 to 70 percent of children in the U.S. will wear braces at some point. Taking your child for an orthodontic evaluation can help you determine whether your child will be one of the millions who will wear braces before they’re an adult.

Signs Your Child Needs Evaluation

Knowing the signs that your child needs braces can help you decide when it’s time to get to the orthodontist.

  • The dentist recommends it. Many parents wait until their child’s dentist recommends an orthodontic evaluation. If you think that your child needs an orthodontic evaluation and the dentist hasn’t said anything, ask them.
  • Your child’s teeth are visibly crooked or crowded. You’ll be able to see if your child’s teeth are crooked, misaligned, or crowding in on themselves.
  • Your child often bites the inside of their mouth. If your child regularly bites the inside of their mouth – unintentionally – this could be a sign that their bite is misaligned.

Does your child need a braces evaluation in Columbia, SC? Call today to make an appointment!

How Braces Affect Your Speech and How to Adapt

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If you’re thinking about getting braces in Columbia, SC, you might be wondering if they will affect your speech, right? Well, don’t worry! While it’s true that braces can affect your speech, you will adapt. Also, we will give you some tips and tricks to help you adjust. And, if you don’t, we will tell you when you should be concerned enough to see your orthodontist.

Let’s dig in!

Why Braces Can Affect Speech

Braces will affect the position of your lips, tongue, and teeth. These all play a key role in speech.

When you first get your braces, you will notice that it’s a bit harder to make the “s,” “z,” and “th” sounds. You might experience a slight lisp. These issues will only last about a week or two, just until the muscles in your face adapt.

Not everyone will experience speech issues. And for others, their speech issues are only slightly noticeable.

Tips for Adapting to Speech Changes

If you want to get through the adjustment process a bit quicker, here are some tips and tricks you can use.

Read Aloud Daily – Read books, poetry, or tongue twisters. Doing so will help you build control over your speech.

Speak Slowly and Intentionally – Give your mouth time to adjust. Speak slowly and intentionally. This will help you reduce speech mistakes. It will also train your tongue how to work around your new braces.

Orthodontic Wax – If you find that certain brackets or wires irritate your cheeks or tongue, apply some orthodontic wax to them. This will give you some relief.

Stay Hydrated – Having a dry mouth will make it harder to speak clearly. So, make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will keep your tissues moist and flexible.

Be Patient – Just like anything else. It takes time to adapt. So be patient. And before you know it, you won’t notice your new braces at all.

When to Talk with Your Orthodontist

You should schedule an orthodontist appointment if your speech issues continue longer than a few weeks. Your orthodontist in Columbia, SC, will check your new braces for mechanical issues or refer you to a speech therapist. But don’t worry, persistent issues are rare. And they’re easily treatable!

Looking for an Orthodontist in Columbia, SC?

Getting braces will change your smile for the better. You’ll have a beautiful smile for the rest of your life. So, don’t put off seeing an orthodontist to get the process started. Please Contact Tompkins Orthodontics today for a consultation and exam. Then we can discuss the different types of braces we offer, and which option might be right for you.

How Can I Tell If My Child Needs Braces?

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Straight teeth and a healthy bite aren’t just beautiful features, they’re also functional. If your child has tooth crowding, crooked teeth, or a misaligned bite, they could suffer problems their entire life. Your child’s orthodontist in Columbia and Irmo, SC, can help you decide if your child needs braces.

You may be able to tell that your child needs an orthodontic evaluation as well. Knowing the signs that your child needs braces can help your child get what they need for healthy teeth and a functional bite. Here’s what to know.

When Should My Child Be Evaluated For Braces?

Take your child to the orthodontist for the first time when they turn seven years old. Your child may not be old enough for braces when they go, but the orthodontist may be able to tell you if there is anything that can be done to prevent braces later. The orthodontist will let you know when your child should come back in for another evaluation.

What Are the Signs My Child Needs Braces?

You may not notice all the signs that your child needs braces, but here are some things to watch for:

  • Your child bites the inside of their mouth frequently.
  • Your child has difficulty pronouncing certain sounds and words.
  • Your child has a bite that doesn’t look right (for example, an underbite).
  • Your child’s teeth are visibly crooked or crowded.

Even if your child doesn’t show symptoms of needing an evaluation, most kids should be evaluated at some point. Contact the professionals at Tompkins Orthodontics to learn if your child should be evaluated.

How Important Is It to Correct Problems With My Child’s Bite?

If your child’s bite is misaligned, they could suffer a range of problems. This can affect the shape of your child’s face, how they eat food, how they talk, and more. Crooked teeth are even hard to brush properly, so this could affect your child’s dental health.

How Can I Get Started With Braces for My Child?

If your child needs braces in Columbia and Irmo, SC, call the dental professionals at Tompkins Orthodontics to make an appointment.

Will I Stop Snoring if I Wear Braces?

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Snoring is often portrayed as annoying for the people around you, as opposed to a serious issue. While this is true in many cases, there’s more to it than that. That’s why orthodontists in Columbia, SC often insist on straightening their patient’s teeth, mainly if the teeth or jaw obstructs your breathing patterns. Below, we’ll examine whether braces help you stop snoring and why it matters.

Braces and Your Airways

When you breathe at night, your throat tissues and muscles relax. Add in a misaligned jaw bone or crowded teeth, and you can start to see how these issues exacerbate snoring. Pretty much everyone snores at some point, but severe snoring is a breathing problem that needs to be addressed. The less you breathe at night, the worse your sleep quality is.

So, even if you don’t live with someone else, you can still end up suffering due to your snoring.

Braces straighten your teeth and jaw, giving your airways a clear path, so you can stay asleep and breathe without noise. At times, an orthodontist will recommend additional treatments, such as another oral appliance to manipulate the jaw in a specific direction.

Can I Stop Snoring at Any Age?

You likely already know that orthodontia is most effective when you’re young. In fact, many orthodontists will recommend braces for children today as a way to prevent snoring in the future. However, it’s worth noting that orthodontia, including clear aligners, can help you stop snoring at any age. It just may take a little longer for adults than for teens.

Orthodontists in Columbia, SC

If you’re looking to cure sleep apnea and prevent snoring in Columbia, SC, consider how braces can help you solve multiple problems at once. In addition to reducing or even eliminating a common nighttime problem, braces improve your overall oral health so you can enjoy your smile for many years to come. Plus, braces can even inspire you to take additional measures for your health to curb snoring, such as skipping your nightcap or improving your diet. To make an appointment with a qualified team, contact Tompkins Orthodontics for your initial consultation!

What to Expect During Your First Week with Braces

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Getting braces isn’t on any teenager’s bucket list, but for many, it’s the gateway for a lifetime of gorgeous teeth. You may even find that people compliment you on your smile more often, after you complete orthodontic treatment in Columbia, SC. But the road to straighter teeth isn’t without a few bumps. Getting used to your braces takes about a week, depending upon the person. Don’t worry; you’ve got this! Here’s what to expect during your first week with braces.

Initial Adjustment Period

The first few days will invariably involve some discomfort. After all, your mouth has to adjust to having all this metal “stuff” inside! You’re going to feel pressure, tightness or mild soreness or pressure as your teeth slowly begin to shift. This is completely normal and should subside as your mouth gets used to the braces. Over-the-counter pain relievers and eating soft foods, like yogurt, mashed potatoes or soup, can help you get through this period comfortably. Ice cream works, too!

Changes in Eating Habits

During your first week with braces and thereafter, you’ll need to adjust your diet. Sticky, hard or crunchy foods can damage your braces, so it’s best to stick to soft foods. Pass on the chewing gum! Cutting food into smaller pieces and chewing slowly will also help you avoid any discomfort. Over time, you’ll learn which foods work best for you, and your diet will return to normal with some minor modifications. Some tips? Try smoothies, milk shakes and yogurts.

Increased Saliva Production

It’s common for your mouth to produce more saliva than usual as it adjusts to the new hardware. This increase in saliva production will likely decrease after a few days once your mouth becomes accustomed to the braces. It’s normal, so don’t sweat it.

Oral Hygiene Routine

You’re going to need to adjust your oral hygiene routine to prevent food from getting trapped in your braces. This is a great time to shop for a cool new water flosser!

Follow-Up Visits

Follow-up appointments are essential for your orthodontist in Columbia, SC to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your braces. So get used to visiting your orthodontist more often.

By the end of the first week, you’ll start to feel more comfortable with your braces, and the initial soreness will fade. Now you can focus on the outcome!

What’s the Science Behind Braces?

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Orthodontic braces in Columbia, SC are available at Tompkins Orthodontics, at our two office locations. Braces are highly effective for realigning teeth and correcting overbites and under bites. But what’s behind this “miraculous” solution for imperfect teeth? If you’ve ever wondered how and why braces work, read on!

The Parts of Braces

Braces consist of several key parts, which are the brackets, the wires (also called the arch wire), and bands. The brackets are the small squares that your orthodontist bonds to the front surface of each tooth. These bonds serve as anchors for the wire that runs through the little loops on the fronts of the brackets. Bands, which wrap around the molars, provide additional support.

Controlled Pressure

Braces work by applying consistent, controlled and gentle pressure to the teeth over an extended period of time. This pressure is exerted and controlled by the wire. When you visit your orthodontist in Columbia, SC, they adjust the tension on the wire, increasing it incrementally with each visit. The tension from the wire creates a gentle force that moves the teeth into their desired positions. This is why, after the adjustment appointment, you may experience slight discomfort from the increased pressure. But that discomfort quickly subsides as teeth begin to shift.

Is it Safe to Move Teeth?

It is safe to move teeth with braces. Each tooth is connected by fibrous connective tissue to the surrounding bone, called the alveolar bone. When braces apply pressure to a tooth, the periodontal ligament on one side of the tooth compresses, while the ligament on the opposite side stretches. This pressure triggers a biological response in the alveolar bone. The bone undergoes a kind of remodeling, a process where old bone tissue is broken down and new bone tissue forms. On the pressure side of the tooth, bone resorption occurs, where bone cells called osteoclasts break down bone tissue. On the tension side, bone deposition takes place, where osteoblasts form new bone tissue. This dynamic process allows the tooth to move and the jawbone to adapt to the new tooth position!

At Tompkins Orthodontics, we’re glad that you’re curious about how braces actually work. We’d be happy to answer any other questions you have, too. Please contact us to book your appointment today!

Foods to Avoid with Braces

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Food provides some of the greatest joys this life has to offer. However, in some instances, it’s best to avoid certain foods based on your current health situation. Unfortunately, this is the case for those who wear braces. To keep these oral appliances working as they should, it’s important to avoid foods that can damage these devices.

Keep reading to learn about the most common foods to avoid if you have braces.

Anything Hard and Crunchy

Biting down on anything overly hard or crunchy could cause serious damage to your braces. Although your orthodontic device is made of metal, it could still damage the wires and brackets that hold the appliance together. Do your best to avoid hard candies, pretzels, nuts, and popcorn. Unfortunately, you may also have to limit eating some healthy foods, such as raw carrots and other hard vegetables.

If you ever experience an issue with your braces, the experts at Tompkins Orthodontics are here to help. We can diagnose the problem quickly and make the repair as soon as possible. Many of our patients say we provide the best orthodontic treatment in Columbia, SC! Call us today to make an appointment.

Chewy and Sticky Foods

Limiting chewy and sticky foods is also a good idea, as these can easily get caught in your braces. Removing these foods from your braces is almost impossible, and they can also cause damage. Furthermore, this stuck food can lead to the growth of excess bacteria, which can cause tooth decay and other dental issues.

Try to avoid the following during your orthodontic treatment:

  • Chewy candy
  • Licorice
  • Caramel
  • Dried fruits
  • Snack bars
  • Peanut butter
  • Chewing gum

While it may be tempting to eat these foods, they can do much more harm than good! Try to avoid them to keep your braces in excellent condition.

Tough Meats

Tough, hard-to-chew meats are another poor food choice for those with braces. Chewing these foods can be very difficult, and they can also get stuck around your brackets and wires. Do your best to avoid eating beef jerky, pork chops, and well-done steak.

Whether you need an orthodontic repair or new treatment, contact Tompkins Orthodontics today to make an appointment! We’re happy to have the toporthodontist in Columbia, SC!

Can All Underbites Be Fixed with Braces?

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Underbites are relatively rare compared to overbites, occurring in a much smaller portion of people. This condition, which refers to when your lower teeth stick out further than your upper teeth, is often treated with braces. However, not all underbites can be fixed with this common dental appliance. We’ll look at when a dentist will recommend braces and why the patient may require a different or additional methodology to correct the problem.

When Can Braces Solve the Problem?

Typically, braces in Columbia, SC, are recommended for mild to moderate underbites. In some cases, clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign, etc.) can effectively push back the lower teeth by guiding the jaws to the proper position. In other cases, the teeth may need rubber bands to consistently apply pressure to the jaw to ensure realignment.

During an evaluation, the dentist will consider the age of the patient, as it’s easier to make changes the younger the person is. This is partially why experts recommend having an evaluation done by the time a child is seven years old. By this point, they can determine how their jaw, teeth, and speech patterns are developing, which can potentially allow for early intervention (which can mean less time and money spent in the dentist’s or orthodontist’s office).

Treatment for Severe Underbites

While unlikely, there are some patients who will only benefit from jaw surgery. If the patient has a bone anomaly, then braces may do little to correct this. During jaw surgery, the jawbone must be reshaped to fit one set of teeth behind the other. The surgeon may target the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both jaws during the surgery. Once the bite has been corrected, they’ll typically secure the position with plates and screws.

Find an Orthodontist in Columbia

If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Columbia, SC, that can find a solution to an underbite, Tompkins Orthodontics has two locations in the city to serve parents and adults who want to correct their bite. Underbites aren’t just aesthetic issues, they can cause anything from pain to more complicated dental issues. To determine the best course of treatment, whether it’s braces, surgery, or another dental appliance, contact us today.

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