braces Archives - Bee Cave Orthodontics

April 18, 2024 by Dr. Adriana Da Silveira

Fighting Bad Breath and Orthodontics

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be a persistent and embarrassing issue for many. Understanding its causes is crucial in finding effective solutions. Here, we’ll delve into the reasons behind bad breath and explore how orthodontic treatment can help alleviate this common problem.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to the accumulation of food particles and bacteria in the mouth, resulting in bad breath.
Food and Drink: Consuming odorous foods like garlic and onions, as well as beverages like coffee, can contribute to bad breath.
Tobacco Use: Smoking and chewing tobacco can not only stain teeth but also cause bad breath and other oral health issues.
Dry Mouth: Saliva helps cleanse the mouth and remove food particles. A dry mouth, often caused by medications or mouth breathing, can contribute to bad breath.
Health Conditions: Certain health conditions such as gum disease, sinus infections, respiratory infections, and acid reflux can lead to bad breath.
Orthodontic Appliances: Braces, retainers, aligners and other orthodontic appliances can make proper cleaning difficult, leading to plaque and bacteria buildup and subsequent bad breath.

How Orthodontic Treatment Can Help Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, can significantly improve oral health and reduce bad breath:

Improved Oral Hygiene: Orthodontic treatment aligns teeth properly, making them easier to clean and reducing plaque buildup, a major cause of bad breath.
Reduced Food Trapping: Misaligned teeth can create spaces where food particles get trapped. Orthodontic treatment can eliminate these spaces, reducing the risk of bad breath.
Gum Health: Straightening teeth can improve gum health by reducing the risk of gum disease, which is linked to bad breath.
Enhanced Confidence: Addressing bad breath through orthodontic treatment can boost confidence and self-esteem.

Tips for Maintaining Fresh Breath During Orthodontic Treatment To maintain fresh breath during orthodontic treatment:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles.
Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
Clean your orthodontic appliances regularly as instructed.
Avoid foods and drinks that can cause bad breath.

Orthodontic treatment can play a significant role in improving oral health and reducing bad breath. By addressing the underlying causes of bad breath and maintaining good oral hygiene practices, individuals can enjoy fresh breath and improved overall oral health. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adriana Da Silveira is a trusted expert in the field of orthodontics, renowned for her expertise in treating even the most challenging cases. Her dedication to ongoing education and research ensures that Bee Cave Orthodontics remains at the forefront of advancements in treatment, technology, and care approaches. When you choose Bee Cave Orthodontics, you can trust that you’re receiving the highest quality of care from a team of experts who are committed to your well-being. Contact us at beecaveortho.com for a free consultation to get you on your road to good dental heath.

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April 9, 2024 by Dr. Adriana Da Silveira

The Importance of Proper Brushing Techniques and Orthodontic Treatment for Oral Health

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for overall health, and one of the most fundamental aspects of oral hygiene is brushing your teeth. While most of us brush our teeth regularly, many may not be doing it correctly or fully understanding its importance. Let’s delve into why brushing your teeth correctly is so vital for your oral health, especially in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.

Importance of Brushing Your Teeth Correctly

Bee Cave Orthodontics Invisalign for adults and kids in Austin

Preventing Tooth Decay: Brushing your teeth helps to remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If not removed, this plaque can lead to tooth decay, which is the destruction of tooth enamel caused by acids produced by bacteria. Proper brushing, especially with fluoride toothpaste, helps remove plaque and prevent tooth decay.
Preventing Gum Disease: Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that can lead to gum inflammation, gum recession, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Brushing your teeth helps to remove plaque and prevent the buildup of tartar, which can irritate the gums and lead to gum disease.
Freshening Your Breath: Bad breath, or halitosis, can be a result of poor oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth helps to remove food particles and bacteria that can cause bad breath, keeping your breath fresh.
Preventing Stains: Brushing your teeth regularly can help prevent stains from accumulating on your teeth. Stains can be caused by foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine, as well as smoking. Proper brushing helps to remove these stains and keep your teeth looking white and healthy.
Maintaining Overall Health: Poor oral health has been linked to various systemic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Brushing your teeth correctly can help maintain your overall health by reducing the risk of these conditions.
Setting a Good Example: For children, seeing adults brush their teeth correctly sets a good example and instills good oral hygiene habits early on. Teaching children how to brush their teeth correctly can help them maintain good oral health throughout their lives.

Orthodontic Treatment and Oral Health

Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners (Invisalign), can help improve the position of your teeth, making it easier to brush and floss effectively. Proper alignment of the teeth can reduce the risk of plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. Here’s how orthodontic treatment can help improve oral hygiene:

Easier Brushing and Flossing: Misaligned teeth can create tight spaces where plaque and food particles can accumulate, making it difficult to brush and floss effectively. Orthodontic treatment helps align the teeth, making it easier to clean between them and remove plaque.
Reduced Risk of Tooth Decay: Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay. By improving the position of your teeth, orthodontic treatment can help protect your teeth from decay and cavities.
Prevention of Gum Disease: Gum disease is often caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar along the gumline. Orthodontic treatment can help align your teeth and improve your gum health by making it easier to remove plaque and tartar through brushing and flossing.
Improved Overall Health: By improving your oral hygiene, orthodontic treatment can also contribute to better overall health. Poor oral health has been linked to various systemic health conditions, so maintaining good oral hygiene through orthodontic treatment can help reduce the risk of these conditions.

In conclusion, brushing your teeth correctly is not just about fresh breath and a bright smile; it’s about maintaining overall health and preventing serious dental problems. By brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, using fluoride toothpaste, and incorporating proper brushing techniques, you can help protect your teeth and gums and maintain a healthy smile for years to come. Additionally, orthodontic treatment can play a significant role in improving your oral health by facilitating better brushing and flossing and reducing the risk of dental problems associated with misaligned teeth.

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April 14, 2023April 19, 2023 by Dr. Adriana Da Silveira

Bee Cave Orthodontics Exclusive Treatment Plan Options

Like many things in life, getting started is the most difficult stage but YOU DID IT! Your child had their Orthodontic Evaluation. What’s next? Our highly trained orthodontist Dr. Adriana Da Silveira (Dr. D) will inform you of what can be achieved both cosmetically and functionally. We’re here to help and we care immensely.

Dental technology is always advancing, and as new orthodontic treatments become available, Bee Cave Orthodontics is on the cutting-edge. That’s good news for your smile. We use state-of-the-art treatment technology paired with years of expertise to successfully treat many dental issues.

If your or your child requires treatment, there are many different treatment types. If Dr. Da Silveira believes more than one option could work, each option will be discussed. You can view the many types of treatment options we provide here. These options included the most common form of braces today, metal braces, as well as Invisalign Treatment and clear braces, amongst other options.

What is the best option for your happy smile?

Our orthodontic treatment options are as diverse as our clients. What’s perfect for one patient may not be the best for others. Here at Bee Cave Orthodontics, we specialize in custom tailored treatment plans for each of our patients. Dr. D has over 20 years of experience working with children and adults. After your initial consultation, we will discuss which orthodontic treatment would be best for you, based on your care needs and smile goals. Below we’ll discuss our three most common treatment options.

Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign First is the perfect treatment for children ages 7-10 who need Phase 1 orthodontic treatment. Invisalign First utilizes the same advanced technology as regular Invisalign clear aligners so you expect the same high-quality results from this trusted brand! Children who are candidates for this effective and innovative treatment will not need to go through traditional orthodontic treatments such as metal expanders, headgear, and braces! Invisalign First is here to help children who experience issues with overcrowding, spacing, alignment, protrusions, arch development and expansion. It is also a great choice for patients with sensory processing, sensitivities, and other challenges when it comes to orthodontic treatment.

What is Invisalign first? Watch the video below to learn more.

Is Bee Cave Orthodontics an Invisalign First Provider?

Yes! As an Invisalign Diamond Plus Provider, Dr. Adriana Da Silveira is is also an Invisalign First provider and public speaker on the treatment. We stay on top of the latest techniques and technology – including our iTero 3D scanner- to help create beautiful and healthy smiles at our Bee Cave office. Dr. D has given lectures nationally and internationally about this topic, including most recently in Thailand at the University of Mahidol in Bangkok, at the Invisalign Summit in Las Vegas and at the American Association of Orthodontists in Miami. Dr D travels around the country teaching other orthodontists and their teams on how to best use this amazing treatment option to correct little bites and transform smiles.

Invisalign for Teens and Adults

Straightening your teeth with Invisalign can be a great option if you are concerned about your appearance and don’t want to look different from your friends. Invisalign created a system that meets the unique needs of teens and adults. Invisalign can be a great clear option for teens or adults shying away from metal braces. The Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic and almost invisible. Your friends probably won’t even know you’re wearing them so you’ll enjoy the confidence of showing that smile every day.

Traditional Metal Braces

Metal braces are the traditional orthodontic option for tooth straightening and correcting. Since they are set in the mouth for a long duration of time, metal braces are usually made of materials that provide sufficient strength and resistance to corrosion, commonly stainless steel or titanium alloys. They may be a great option for patients that are not a candidate for Invisalign or for those that know they will not wear their retainers as regularly as they should.

Bee Cave Orthodontics 3D Printed Custom Clear Braces (LightForce)

Clear braces are similar to traditional metal braces. However, because they’re made with tooth-colored materials, they’re less noticeable. Clear braces can correct the same orthodontic issues as metal braces, including overbites, underbites, crooked teeth and crowding. We offer customized 3D printed clear braces through our partner LightForce. LightForce is an ingenious advancement in bracket systems. In fact, it’s one of the most cutting-edge technologies to hit the orthodontic industry in decades and not all providers offer this unique treatment option. Each bracket is designed to fit the teeth perfectly. Custom brackets results in a perfect fit and can also mean fewer emergencies, since the braces adhere more precisely. A detailed treatment plan is provided for each client using digital planning software, exclusively for the needs of every unique smile.

Whether you’re hesitant or ready to embark on your braces journey, get in touch with our specialists with a call, or book an appointment online.

If you’re in Austin, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Spicewood, Westlake, Dripping Springs or the surrounding areas, and want to learn more about how orthodontics or any of these orthodontic treatment options could benefit you and your family, get in touch with us today! Our FREE consultation makes it easier than ever to take the first step towards the smile you’ve always wanted (and deserve!)

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