Robert D. Mitchell D.D.S., M.S.

How to Handle an Orthodontic Emergency

Over the course of your braces treatment, there’s a small chance you might encounter an emergency. Such circumstances may not have a negative impact on your orthodontic treatment, but they should always be immediately addressed. Before attempting to remedy an orthodontic emergency on your own, contact your orthodontist and explain the situation. He can direct your efforts to ensure that they do not cause any additional harm to either you or your braces.

Mouth Sores
The inside of your mouth contains tender tissues that may not respond favorably to your braces. During the first few days of your braces treatment, you may experience the formation of mouth sores from friction between your inner lips or cheeks and the brace brackets. This condition is only temporary, but can cause discomfort. One way to alleviate pain and encourage healing is to swish mouth rinse or salt water. You can also place a bit of wax over the bracket causing the irritation until the sore is gone.

Wire Irritation
Loose wires can also lead to mouth sores and pain for brace wearers. One quick fix for this problem is moving the wire back into place with a pencil eraser. If this tactic proves unsuccessful, you can cover the wire tip with a small ball of wax. If the wire has come loose from a brace band, you can try to reinsert it into the band.

Loose Brackets
Brace brackets are typically cemented onto the teeth, which makes them extremely difficult to dislodge. Should you notice a loose bracket, don’t do anything until your next visit to the orthodontist. Still, you should consider the reasons why your bracket became loose. Consuming hard, sticky foods like caramel or gummy candy can force the bracket off the tooth. To prevent another bracket from becoming loose, refrain from eating these foods.

Do you have a problem with your braces? Call Dr. Robert D. Mitchell D.D.S., M.S. for fast and friendly assistance. We encourage all patients in the greater Menifee, Murrieta, and Temecula regions to contact us at (951) 813-2878 whenever an orthodontic emergency occurs.

Dealing with Common Braces Problems

While undergoing orthodontic treatment, you may suffer the occasional complication. This video demonstrates safe and easy fixes of common braces problems.

Upon getting braces, you might notice sores on the interior of your lips or cheeks. These sores result from abrasion between the brace bracket and mouth. Sores will heal on their own, and you can minimize further irritation by placing a small amount of wax over your brace bracket. Wax can also alleviate loose wire abrasion. A loose bracket is not necessarily a cause for concern, but if you notice this problem, you should contact your orthodontist.

Dr. Robert D. Mitchell D.D.S., M.S. offers comfortable orthodontic care at our Murrieta practice. If you have a question about your braces, call (951) 813-2878. We also offer in-house financing options for patients. Visit our website for more information.

Your Guide to TMJ Disorders

Though TMJ disorders are common, they’re often difficult to self-diagnose. If you frequently wake up with an aching jaw or neck discomfort, you may have a temporomandibular joint disorder. Still, it’s important to have an orthodontist make an accurate assessment of your condition and recommend treatment. The following offers a closer look at what occurs when a person suffers from a TMJ disorder:

What Are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorders?
TMJ disorders may go undetected for months or even years due to their widely varying symptoms. Some individuals may suffer from jaw discomfort or chewing issues, which indicate a problem with the jaw joint. Others may experience more indistinct warning signs such as chronic headaches or neck pain that they wouldn’t necessarily associate with a TMJ disorder.

What Causes TMJ Disorders?
TMJ disorders may stem from an array of jaw joint conditions. In some cases, problems develop from bruxism. Bruxism is a grinding or clenching of the teeth that puts undue force on the jaw joint, causing inflammation and pain. Many people suffer from bruxism, but may not know it, as it often occurs during sleep. Under some circumstances, a TMJ disorder may result from malocclusions that prevent sufferers from properly speaking or chewing. Other individuals may have facial bone abnormalities that cause joint deterioration.

What Treatment Services are Available for TMJ Disorders?
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms commonly associated with TMJ disorders, speak with an orthodontist. Mild to moderate cases of TMJ may only require mouthguard protection or orthodontic treatment to alleviate symptoms. For individuals with severe TMJ disorders, orthognathic surgery may be the best option. During this surgical procedure, facial bone irregularities are eliminated to promote correct jaw joint movement and usage.

Let Dr. Robert D. Mitchell, D.D.S., M.S. help you stop the discomfort of your TMJ disorder. With our orthodontic services, including braces and orthognathic surgery, we can correct your jaw issues and ensure a pain-free future. For more information, we encourage individuals in the greater Murrieta, Menifee, and Temecula area to call (951) 813-2878.

Looking For Answers About Your Orthodontics? Then Read Through These Articles

Orthodontic treatment not only improves your smile but can also benefit your overall oral health. Check out these links from around the Web for more information on the basics of orthodontic treatment and the different types of braces. Give Dr. Robert D. Mitchell D.D.S., M.S. in Murrieta a call at (888) 716-8227 to get started.

• Orthodontic treatment can correct a number of oral malocclusions. You can learn more about the various types of “bad bites” with this article at WebMD.com.
• Did you know that not correcting certain bite problems can increase your risk for tooth decay and gum disease? Check out this article from the American Dental Association for more information about the benefits of orthodontic treatment.
• What is the difference between metal braces and ceramic braces? Find out with this OralB.com article.  
• Learn what you can expect from orthodontic treatment by reading over this article from MedicineNet.com.
• It is important to take certain steps in order to maintain your oral health while wearing braces. Read over this link from Colgate.com for more information on life with braces. 

Examining Your Orthodontic Treatment Options

When most people think of braces, their first thought is of children and teenagers. Thanks to advances in dental technology, however, individuals of all ages can now benefit from orthodontic treatment. Before you schedule a consultation with your orthodontist, read on to review some of your options for orthodontic treatment. 

Metal Braces
Metal braces, also known as traditional braces, are among the most common forms of orthodontic treatment performed today. These types of braces are made from high-grade stainless steel and include a number of components, including the brackets which attach to the front of the teeth, arch wires which are attached to each bracket, and elastic ties which secure the arch wires to the brackets themselves. Metal braces also use four metal bands placed on the back molars in order to securely anchor the arch wires and keep them in place.

Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are extremely popular among teens and adults because they are made from translucent, clear material that makes them less noticeable than others. Unlike other braces, ceramic braces use high-tech arch wires to increase patient comfort and reduce the overall treatment time. The only downside associated with ceramic braces is that the elastic ties used to attach the arch wires to the brackets may become discolored in between orthodontic visits.

Self-Ligating Braces
One of the newest orthodontic treatment options available for patients is self-ligating braces, which use lighter wires and lower-friction brackets. This self-ligation technique typically results in faster treatment times than metal braces as they utilize a slide mechanism, a strong mechanic base bonding, and solid walls to control the movement of teeth more efficiently. Self-ligating braces also tend to be much easier to clean than conventional braces.

The best way to determine which type of braces is right for your needs is to set up an appointment with your Murrieta orthodontist. Give Dr. Robert D. Mitchell D.D.S., M.S. a call at (888) 716-8227 for more information about our orthodontic treatment plans.