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Patients have so many choices for straightening their teeth nowadays — clear aligners, ceramic braces, lingual braces, self-ligating braces — but who is best suited to guide them through orthodontic treatment? Well, an orthodontist like Dr. Christopher West in Jupiter, FL of course!

This may seem obvious, but there’s misinformation circulating with regard to the roles dentists and orthodontists play in treating patients’ oral health.

Dentists are trained to clean teeth, fill cavities, perform certain dental surgeries, and examine overall oral health. Many dentists now offer braces to their patients, but according to the American Association of Orthodontists, it’s better to consult an orthodontist if you need to straighten teeth or fix a bite.

Why an orthodontist? Because they are...

• Specialists in straightening teeth and aligning jaws, even advanced cases
• Required to study an additional two to three years after dental school
• Trained to choose the correct treatment option because they have worked with all the available options
• Trained to recognize the potential pitfalls with certain treatments and cases, which means there’s less chance of problems after treatment has started or been completed
• Familiar with emerging treatments and technologies so they can make the best choice for a patient’s case

Some dentists claim to have taken enough continuing education or additional training to offer braces to their patients. But this can't compare to the advanced training an orthodontist receives during his or her education.

Ideally, dentists and orthodontists work hand in hand to make sure oral health and the alignment of teeth and jaws are the best they can be. Think of a dentist as the one who is there for a lifetime, to make sure teeth and gums are healthy.

In contrast, an orthodontist is the highly skilled teammate who helps the dentist by straightening teeth and aligning the jaws over the course of a few years. Instead of one replacing the other, they work together for the health and benefit of their patients.

Orthodontic braces have been around for more than a century and have continually evolved over that time. Today’s braces are more discreet than ever, producing excellent results without being overly obvious during the corrective phase. If you are in search of an aesthetically appealing way of straightening your teeth, Dr. Christopher West and our team at Family Orthodontics in Jupiter, FL provide multiple options to choose from, including lingual braces and clear aligners.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are progressive-phase braces designed for patients who need mild-to-moderate correction of crowded or crooked teeth. This system includes a series of custom-made trays that gradually shift the teeth into their targeted positions. Instead of frequently returning to our Jupiter, FL office to have braces tightened, you simply swap the trays out every few weeks. Clear aligners are virtually undetectable and can be removed while eating or brushing your teeth. When worn as prescribed, these metal-free trays can straighten your teeth in as little as six to 12 months.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are similar to traditional metal braces in that they are fixed to the teeth. However, lingual braces differ in that they are attached to back of the teeth rather than the front. This type of treatment is preferred over clear aligners among patients with moderate to severe orthodontic correction needs. Lingual braces are non-removable and must be adjusted periodically during scheduled orthodontic visits. However, lingual braces are capable of producing much more controlled force during treatment, which can yield highly successful results.

If you think you may be a candidate for braces, but aren’t sure whether lingual braces or clear aligners are right for you, Dr. Christopher West and our team can help you decide. Schedule a consultation today to find out more about your orthodontic options and start on the path to the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Patients at Family Orthodontics in Jupiter, FL often wonder if lingual braces require the same amount of care as regular braces. The only real difference between lingual braces and traditional braces is the location of the brackets: lingual brackets are mounted on the back of your teeth. This mounting technique means that your braces completely hidden! However, you need to take special care of your lingual braces to prevent damage to the brackets and wires.

General care

Wearing lingual braces requires more caution when you eat hard or crunchy foods, which should be avoided whenever necessary. Applying excess pressure when you chew can cause brackets to break loose. This is more likely to happen if your upper front teeth overhang your lower teeth. You should also avoid foods that become caught in the brackets.

Brushing and flossing

Flossing can be done with a combination of regular dental floss and an inter-dental or wire brush. Floss threaders can also be used to get floss under the wires of your braces; ask our team for one at your next appointment with Dr. Christopher West. You should always brush and floss after every meal, because there is a greater chance of food particles becoming stuck in your braces. You can also use a mouthwash to reduce bacteria and fight plaque. As always, keep your regular dental hygiene appointments at our convenient Jupiter, FL office to make sure that no problems develop while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Many individuals have a natural habit of rubbing their tongue along the inside of their teeth, especially when a change has occurred in their mouth. This can cause soreness or small abrasions on your tongue. While they should subside within a few weeks, the use of dental wax can be helpful.

Please ask Dr. Christopher West and our team any questions you may have about your new braces and how to care for them and your teeth. The better care you take of your teeth and braces now, the better your outcome will be when your orthodontic work is complete!

Hello from Family Orthodontics! We’ve officially made it to September. The changes of the season are upon us and we are looking forward to the cooler weather and all of the fall decorations. Though fall is looking different this year with new COVID-19 precautions (wearing a mask and social distancing), we are still looking forward to some of our favorite fall time activities like going out to visit the local pumpkin patch and carving pumpkins for Halloween.

If you’re feeling in the mood for an autumnal inspired beverage, try Dr. West’s favorite fall smoothie recipe! It consists of 4 simple ingredients: Granny Smith apples, almond butter, almond milk, and a dash of cinnamon. Blend together and sip up the deliciousness.

September also brings us Dr. West’s birthday. We can’t wait to celebrate Dr. West on September 23rd. The next time you’re in the office make sure to wish him a happy birthday!

Family Orthodontics currently has a giveaway promotion going on in the office. For a chance to win a prize, simply leave us a review on Facebook or Google and show a staff member when you’re in the office. You get to spin a wheel full of prizes, and no one leaves empty-handed!

We are pleased to say that since we’ve reopened with our new precautions a few months ago everything continues to run smoothly. Patients have expressed their appreciation for our office’s new safety procedures. Thank you to everyone for wearing a mask and following our new protocol. We couldn’t do it without each and every one of you.

We hope everyone has a lovely start to the fall season! See you soon.