5 Things You Can Do to Help Your Child Avoid Needing Braces

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Many kids need braces by the time they reach the teen years, but did you know there are things you can do to help your child avoid this kind of dental treatment?

By helping your child develop good jaw structure, you may be able to prevent them from needing braces later. As your orthodontist in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres, FL, the professionals at Orthodontics Exclusively are here to help you help your child. Below are five things you can do to help your child develop good tooth and jaw alignment from an early age.

1. Breastfeed Until Age 1 or 2

Breastfeeding is good for your child’s jaw structure. The movement of the tongue during breastfeeding helps your child’s jaw and mouth develop fully, and that can prevent the need for braces. If you breastfeed your child, consider breastfeeding them until they’re two years old to help your child’s facial features develop properly.

2. Stop Pacifier Use By Age 3

Pacifiers can be good for soothing children. The use of pacifiers can even help reduce the chances of SIDS! However, pacifiers can start to impact your child’s jaw development as they get older. To avoid a problem stop the use of pacifiers by the time your child turns three years old.

3. Stop Sucking Thumb By Age 5

If your child sucks their thumb, this too can impact how your child’s jaw and teeth develop. Stop your child from sucking their thumb by the time they turn 5 years old.

4. Take Your Child to the Dentist Starting from Age One

Your child’s dentist can help you identify problems that need to be addressed from an early age. Bringing your child to the dentist can help your child avoid more serious problems down the road. Start taking your child to the dentist from the time they’re one.

5. Get An Early Evaluation by an Orthodontist

Get an early orthodontic assessment in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres, FL to find out if there’s anything else you can do to help your child avoid braces. Call Orthodontics Exclusively today to make an appointment.

Super Effective Home Remedies for Making Your Braces More Comfortable

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If you have braces or are thinking about getting braces, you are probably looking for effective ways to make wearing them more comfortable. Yourorthodontist in Fort Myers, FL, can provide you with some advice and recommendations. But until then, here are some great tips that will help make wearing your braces more comfortable.

Super Effective Home Remedies for Making Your Braces More Comfortable

Here are some relief remedies you can use with yourbraces in Fort Myers, FL.

Use Oral Anesthetics – This numbing gel works great for desensitizing your gums and teeth.

Mix Up a Warm Saltwater Rinse – Make a saltwater rinse and swish it around in your mouth. A saltwater rinse will reduce pain and swelling. It also helps kill bacteria while healing cuts and sores.

Drink Hot Peppermint Tea (then use the bag) – Enjoy your tea, then take the used warm and damp peppermint tea bag and place it on the affected area to relieve pain.

Apply Peppermint Oil to the Area – Putting peppermint oil on the affected area will also help relieve oral pain.

Perform a Gum Massage – Place your finger on the area that’s bothering you. Then, move that finger in a circular motion. But only for a short period of time. Some people prefer to rub an ice cube on the area before the gum massage.

Use Orthodontic Wax – Orthodontic wax is an old, tried-and-true option that works. But we didn’t want to leave this option out. The wax is put on the sharp ends of the brackets and protects your gums and cheeks from them.

Apply an Ice Pack – Ice packs can be placed on the side of your face where you have pain. Ice works great for numbing the pain and reducing inflammation.

Drink Ice Water – Drinking ice water helps ease the pain. And it’s good for you.

Eat Cold Foods – Cold foods like ice cream and smoothies work like other ice-related options. The cold helps reduce pain and inflammation.

Stick to Soft Foods – Stick to eating soft foods. Eating hard, crunchy, and sticky foods will only increase the pain.

Develop a Mental Mantra – Instead of continually thinking about your braces, turn it around and think about something else. Something positive. Come up with a mental mantra that you can say to yourself when you find your mind focusing on your braces. You’re basically creating a diversion for yourself.

Are You Looking for an Exceptional Orthodontist in Fort Myers, FL?

If you need an orthodontist, pleaseContact Orthodontics Exclusively today. We have been a respected part of this community since 1982 and have three locations to serve you.

Tips to Get Used to Metal Braces

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When you get metal braces in Fort Meyers, FL, it may take some time to get used to them. Even knowing that the payoff for wearing the braces will be phenomenal, it can be hard living with metal braces day to day. Here are some expert tips to get used to them.

Start With Soft Foods

In the first few days after you’ve had your braces put on, your teeth and mouth may be more sensitive and tender than usual. During this time, it’s good to start with soft foods, so you can prepare ahead of time by having these foods available to you:

  • ice cream or healthy faux ice cream
  • soups
  • stews
  • mashed potatoes
  • creamed vegetables (easy to prepare in a blender)
  • yogurt
  • smoothies
  • green juices
  • bananas (cut into slices)
  • puddings

Basically, soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing work best.

Take Selfies

It’s actually helpful to take some selfies so you can practice smiling or whatever new “look” you want to adopt in photos. This will help you to feel more self-confident so you don’t feel like you have to cover your mouth when you smile or speak in public.

Let Others Get Used to Them

The more you look at anything, the more accustomed you get to it. It’s the same way with your friends and peers at school. Yes, the first time they see you with metal braces they may be surprised or comment on them. But if you just act like they’re nothing special and go about your day, in a day or so everyone will be so used to seeing them they’ll barely notice them.

Focus on the Positives

Whenever you start feeling down about having to wear braces, think about how amazing your teeth are going to look afterward. You’ll be able to enjoy gorgeous, well-aligned teeth for the rest of your life after just a short time wearing braces. It’s definitely worth it!

Finally, remember that many teens and even adults have to wear braces. You’re not alone, and your Fort Meyers, FL dentist is here to help. Contact us anytime for more helpful tips on getting used to braces.

Best and Worst Foods For Braces

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If you’re new tobraces Cape Coral, FL, there are some important things to know. Not only do you need to care for your teeth while you’re wearing braces; you also need to be mindful about which foods and drinks you consume while undergoing this orthodontic treatment. Regarding your diet, here are the best and worst foods for braces.

Best Foods For Braces

This list of the best foods for braces won’t bring your teeth into proper alignment any faster, but they will help to satisfy your hunger without jeopardizing the health of your teeth or damaging your braces.

Soft Fruits and Vegetables

Al dente may be the trendy way to cook vegetables, but if you’re wearing braces, you’ll want to cook your veggies a little bit longer. Veggies should be soft, not crunchy, so avoid eating raw vegetables like carrots and celery. As for fruits, opt for things like bananas, berries and melons. It may be best to skip apples for the time being, unless you cook and puree them into an applesauce.

Dairy Products

Dairy products are find for wearers of braces. Just be aware that soft cheeses like Asiago and Brie can get stuck in the braces. You may have to brush a little bit harder to ensure that braces and teeth are clean after eating.

Lean Proteins

Soft-cooked chicken, fish and eggs are great sources of lean protein that also happen to be gentle on your braces. These options are easy to chew and won’t damage your orthodontic appliances.

Worst Foods For Braces

Some of the foods below are on the list because they are too hard to get out of braces, while others are on the list because they could damage braces.

Hard and Crunchy Foods

Foods like nuts, popcorn, hard candies, and ice can damage braces by bending wires or breaking brackets. It’s best to avoid these items to prevent any setbacks in your orthodontic treatment.

Sticky and Chewy Foods

Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and gummy candies can get stuck in your braces, making them difficult to clean and increasing the risk of cavities. Chewy foods like bagels and licorice can also pull on brackets and wires.

YourCape Coral, FL orthodontist wants your braces to be a success. Try to follow the above recommendations as much as possible to avoid complications in your orthodontic treatment.

What You Can and Can’t Eat with Metal Braces

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If you just received your new metal braces, there are certain foods you can and can’t eat. Your dentist in Fort Meyers, FL, will go over all the dos and don’ts with you. But until then, here is what you need to know.

What You Can and Can’t Eat with Metal Braces

Let’s review.

What You Should Eat the First Few Days After Getting Braces

Immediately after getting your braces, your mouth and gums will be sensitive. Therefore, you will need to stick with eating soft foods that are gentle and won’t cause pain or discomfort. Here are a few of the foods you can eat for the first few days after getting your new metal braces in Fort Meyers, FL.

  • Scrambled eggs
  • Oatmeal
  • Soup
  • Soft vegetables
  • Bananas
  • Yogurt
  • Ice cream
  • Mashed potatoes

Foods to Avoid When You Have Metal Braces

There are some foods you will need to avoid completely. At least until you’ve completed your braces treatment. Below are the foods you absolutely cannot eat when you have metal braces. If you do, it could damage your braces.

  • Hard candies
  • Sticky candies
  • Popcorn
  • Chips
  • Pretzels
  • Nuts
  • Crunchy fruits and vegetables
  • Corn on the cob
  • Beef jerky
  • Chewing gum
  • Hard rolls and bagels

Foods You Can Eat When You Have Metal Braces

But never fear; there are plenty of foods you can eat even when you have metal braces. Here are just a few of your options.

  • Pasta
  • Pizza without the crust
  • Casserole
  • Soft breads
  • Sandwiches
  • Dairy products
  • Soup
  • Soft fruits and vegetables
  • Soft meats that don’t have bones

How to Enjoy Some of Your Favorite Foods without Damaging Your Braces

There are some foods that you are told to avoid when you have metal braces that can still be eaten if you follow a few simple rules. Foods like raw vegetables, hard rolls, croutons, thin pizza crusts, meat, subs, burgers, and the like can all be eaten. But only if you cut them into small pieces first.

Looking for a Dentist in Fort Meyers, FL?

Getting your teeth straightened is an exciting time — at least the prospect of a perfect smile is exciting once you’ve completed your treatment. Please Contact Orthodontics Exclusively to schedule an appointment for your new braces today. We love perfecting peoples’ smiles and we can do the same for you too!

4 Signs Your Child May Need Braces

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Often, parents are the first ones to notice that their child may need braces. Regular dentist visits for your child are crucial, but in between, there may be signs that they may needorthodontic treatment in Lehigh Acres, FL, at some point. Here are some signs to be aware of:

1. Family History

Just like other areas of the body, the physical structure of the jaw and mouth area are hereditary. If there’s a family history of needing orthodontic treatment, it’s more likely that your child may need it, too. The signs might not be evident until your child starts to get their adult teeth. At this time, their jawbone is developing more, as well as other bones in the face. Let your orthodontist know if there’s a family history of needing orthodontics so early signs can be more easily detected.

2. Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth

There’s a general timeline of when your child may lose the last of their baby teeth, as well as when they can expect their adult teeth to start coming in. This timing factors in with the developing bones in the face and jaw. If your child is experiencing early or late loss of baby teeth, it could affect the alignment of the permanent teeth. This is just something to be aware of and keep a watch on.

3. Overbite or Underbite

Overbites and underbites are the most common issues treated by an orthodontist. But sometimes, overbites and underbites aren’t obvious. They may be more readily spotted in silhouette. Take a look at your child’s profile and see if you notice any protrusion on the top or bottom lip. If you do, it’s a good idea to bring them to see an orthodontist for a professional evaluation.

4. Jaw Shifts or Makes Sounds

If your child’s jaws make popping sounds or shift when they open or close their mouth, this could indicate a misalignment. This condition, known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, can cause pain and discomfort, which orthodontic treatment can help alleviate by properly aligning the jaws.

Be sure to let your orthodontist know about anything you may have noticed out of the ordinary with your child’s teeth, jaw or bite. If they needbraces in Lehigh Acres, FL, you can count on us to help!

4 Benefits of Clear Braces For Adults

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A lot of advancements have been made in the field of orthodontics. InCape Coral, FL clear braces for adults have become a popular choice for a number of good reasons. Clear braces is a broad term that includes ceramic braces and clear aligners. Depending upon your individual circumstances and the nature of your alignment issues, clear braces may be right for your needs. Here are four benefits of clear braces for adults.

1. Convenience

If you opt for clear aligners, you can remove them for cleaning, eating, and special events for up to three hours per day, depending on your treatment plan. This offers a level of convenience that’s particularly helpful for busy career professionals. If you opt for clear braces, which are able to handle more serious alignment issues, they are also more convenient because they have a lower profile than traditional metal braces.

2. Appearance

By far, the most appealing benefit of clear braces for adults is the aesthetics. Ceramic braces, which use tooth-colored or clear brackets, blend in with the natural color of your teeth, making them less noticeable than traditional metal braces. These are virtually invisible, appealing to adults who might feel self-conscious about wearing conspicuous orthodontic gear.

3. Getting Needed Treatment

Many adults may avoid needing orthodontic treatment because of the appearance of traditional metal braces. If clear braces for adults can make the difference between a person getting proper orthodontic care or not, then it’s “clearly” a benefit to be able to get braces that don’t draw unwanted attention.

4. Improved Oral Health

Sometimes, a problem with teeth that are out of alignment isn’t just about appearance. Serious oral health problems, such as TMJ and other alignment problems, can be solved with clear braces for adults. The improved oral health that can be experienced when an adult goes through the orthodontic treatment plan can be something that helps them to enjoy healthy, natural teeth for a long time to come.

Not everyone is lucky enough to get needed orthodontic care as a teen. If you’re an adult who needs braces, contact yourCape Coral, FL, orthodontist to learn more about your treatment options. We look forward to helping to improve your smile

7 Best and Worst Foods For Braces

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One of the most important aspects of wearing braces is to ensure that you maintain good oral hygiene during the course of treatment. For many adults and children, this poses a unique challenge. Clear braces in Lehigh Acres, FL, and traditional metal braces can make cleaning teeth thoroughly after meals difficult. But brushing and rinsing thoroughly will be much easier if you are more discerning with your food choices. Here are the seven best and worst foods for braces.

4 Worst Foods For Braces

The following foods are on this list, either because they can easily get stuck in the brackets or because there’s a higher chance they may damage braces.

  1. Chewing Gum

While this isn’t really a food, kids and adults wearing braces need to avoid it at all costs. No amount of chewing gum is acceptable during this time.

  1. Nuts

Some nuts are softer than others, but to be safe, it’s best to avoid them entirely.

  1. Sandwiches and bread

Biting into a sandwich forces the soft bread to get “smooshed” onto the brackets, and it’s very hard to get out. Even if you cut it into small bites and eat it with a fork, the bread can still get stuck onto molar brackets.

  1. Apples and other “bitable” fruits

Avoid biting into fruits with braces. The fruit’s peels and “meat” easily get stuck in the braces. If you peel the fruit and use your fingers to consume small bites, that’s okay.

3 Best Foods For Braces

The following three foods will simplify your oral hygiene while wearing braces.

  1. Soups and Stews

These are full of nutrition and less likely to stick in brackets.

  1. Jello

There’s a reason hospitals serve Jello; gelatin is good for your teeth and gums. It’s tasty and makes a great snack that doesn’t harm braces. Also, rice pudding, apple sauce, tapioca, and low-sugar puddings.

  1. Mashed potatoes

These are filled with Vitamin C and easy on braces.

Remember, you can eat other foods. This is just a partial list of the easiest foods for braces and ones to avoid. If you have questions about a particular food, contact your Lehigh Acres, FL orthodontist!