How to Take Care of Your Retainer

June 13, 2019 Austin Orthodontics

Once your braces are removed and you get to see the amazing results of months, or possibly years, of hard work, you want to make sure you maintain your healthy new smile. That’s why it’s important to wear your retainer for the time your orthodontist prescribes. Of course, this also means taking good care of your retainer.

Keeping Removable Retainers Safe

There are several different types of retainers you might get from your orthodontist, and the length of time you need to wear your retainer depends on your specific needs. Sometimes, you may be required to wear your retainer for most of the day soon after you get your braces out. If your retainer is removable, you’ll want to be careful to take it out for meals to avoid damage. Be sure to store your retainer in a distinct case while you eat instead of on a napkin, especially if you are at a restaurant. This will ensure servers don’t accidentally toss it in the trash with your napkin.

If you only have to wear your retainer for part of the day, which is often done at night for convenience, your retainer will be stored much of the time. You’ll want to pick a safe spot away from kids or pets but that’s still easy for you to access so your retainer doesn’t get damaged and you still remember to wear it.

Keeping Your Retainer Clean

After meals, brush your teeth thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush and do the same with your retainer separately. This will prevent food from getting trapped underneath your retainer and causing tooth decay.

When your retainer spends a large portion of the day in its case, you run the risk of bacteria growing on it, which can lead to plaque buildup. Needless to say, this can become very problematic for your teeth. One strategy to prevent plaque buildup is to store your retainer in a case that has small holes near the top for air circulation. It also helps to keep it on a shelf or counter rather than inside a closet or cabinet where there is no airflow.

Another problem that can come up with retainers is calcium buildup, which can interfere with the bite. You can keep your retainer soaked in a denture solution or in water with baking soda to prevent this buildup. Just be sure to avoid harsh chemicals, such as bleach or mouthwash, when you soak your retainer.

Any time you might need to bring your retainer along with you, such as for road trips or if you simply need to get more hours in during the day, be careful about subjecting your retainer to heat. It can be easy to forget about your retainer if you have it in a bag in your car. Summers can get pretty hot in Austin, and the heat can warp your retainer.

If you have any other questions about how to store your retainer, feel free to contact Austin Orthodontics.

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How to Successfully Move with Braces

June 4, 2019 Austin Orthodontics

Sometimes, you just need to pick up your roots and plant them elsewhere. When you’re in the middle of a move, there are already plenty of factors to consider. Between finding ways to transport all of your items, meeting new neighbors, and learning about a new city, the stress can pile up quickly! At Austin Orthodontics, we want to do what we can to help make your move as smooth as possible if you have a family member with braces. Here are some tips to help you have an easy transition.

Make a Visit to Your Current Orthodontist

When you are approaching the move, be sure to make a special appointment with your current orthodontist to let them know you are moving soon. Your orthodontist can provide a summary of your treatment progress along with a projection for the remainder of the treatment. This treatment summary can be handed over to you in addition to all of your x-ray and digital scan images. If you don’t want to be responsible for these items, you can always have your orthodontist send them over to your new orthodontist so they can get fully up to speed on your treatment needs.

The American Association of Orthodontists also provides a transfer form that your orthodontist can complete and send over to your new orthodontist. This form provides information not found on your regular records, including a full history of orthodontic problems and an estimate on how much time is left.

Don’t Forget About Finances

When you are in the process of moving and switching orthodontists, make sure your finances are in order. You orthodontist should refund the portion of the treatment they won’t complete if you already paid in full, allowing you to give that money to the orthodontist who will complete your treatment. Be sure to cancel your payments if you are having automatic payments withdrawn from your account each month when it comes time to switch over to your new orthodontist.

Ask for Recommendations

Orthodontists often attend networking events on a regular basis, so before you try to find a new orthodontist on your own, ask your current one if they have anyone they would recommend. You can also have them look up a licensed orthodontist in the area you are moving to in the database provided by the American Association of Orthodontists. Our very own Dr. Seth Briggs is a trusted member of the American Association of Orthodontists, so you’ll likely see his name show up if you’re moving to the Austin, TX area.

When you arrive in your new city, don’t hesitate to contact your new orthodontist so they can pick up where your last orthodontist left off right away. Be sure to provide them with your medical records and transfer form if they haven’t received them already and switch over your financial information.

If you’re planning on moving to the Austin area, contact Austin Orthodontics today for a smooth transition and seamless completion for your orthodontic treatment.

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Which Invisalign is Right for You?

May 29, 2019 Austin Orthodontics

Modern innovations in orthodontics provide excellent alternatives to traditional metal braces, and the most innovative solution available today is the Invisalign clear aligner system. Invisalign allows you to get thorough correction for your misaligned teeth without having to usemetal braces. The system is completely clear and can be removed when you need to eat, drink or brush your teeth. There also are several types of treatment you can get based on your specific needs.

Invisalign Full

The most common form of Invisalign is the full version of the treatment. This type can treat a wide range of orthodontic problems, including moderate to severe crowding, gaps, and some instances of underbites and overbites. While each case will last different lengths of time based on the individual needs of each patient, this form of Invisalign usually lasts around 9-24 months.

Invisalign Lite

Some patients have mild or moderate cases of crowding that won’t require Invisalign Full. This treatment is less expensive than the full version, so it comes with fewer aligner trays, but the amount provided will be sufficient to make the necessary corrections. Since Invisalign Lite is designed to treat milder cases than the full version, there are fewer appointments needed, and treatment only lasts five to eight months, significantly less than the full version.

Invisalign Express

Sometimes people strike the genetic lottery and have a smile that looks nearly perfect as is. However, since any misalignment can cause oral health problems later on in life, such as decay or wear, it’s advisable to correct even those really small issues. Invisalign Express is an affordable option for people who only need mild correction to their teeth. It uses five to 10 trays throughout the course of the treatment and can last as little as 10 weeks.

Invisalign Teen

Invisalign Teen is the perfect solution for students in high school or in college. This treatment plan includes all the benefits of Invisalign Full, with the ability to tackle tough orthodontic adjustments. Invisalign Teen offers the discreet look teenagers want while also making life more convenient with the ability to remove the aligners for meals or sports events. One of the added perks of Invisalign Teen is the six complimentary replacement trays in case of damage or loss. The system also includes eruption tabs to guide the growth of permanent teeth in younger teens and has indicators that show how frequently the aligners are being worn.

Invisalign could be a great choice for you or your child’s orthodontic treatment, offering a clean look, complete alignment, and convenience throughout your treatment. Contact Austin Orthodontics today to schedule a complimentary consultation to see which version of Invisalign is right for you.

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The Benefits of Early Orthodontics

May 22, 2019 Austin Orthodontics

Most people are familiar with getting braces as a teenager or as an adult to correct the alignment of their teeth, but getting early intervention is often an important first step for children. Sometimes referred to as two-phase orthodontics, early orthodontics can greatly help kids with more severe orthodontic problems, setting them up for a healthier smile as they get older.

What is Early Orthodontics?

Most people get orthodontic treatment in their teen years or adulthood, but some kids require a treatment plan when they are around the age of seven. Early orthodontic treatment plans are designed to make more difficult adjustments when the jaw is more malleable at a younger age, making the second phase of treatment easier. Not every child will need early orthodontics, but it’s definitely worth it to bring your child to see your orthodontist when they are about seven years old to see if it is right for them. Otherwise, they could require more invasive procedures later on in life, such as an especially long phase with braces, getting teeth pulled, or surgery.

What Does Early Orthodontics Fix?

There are several reasons your child could benefit from early orthodontics. One reason could simply be excessive crookedness or large spaces between the teeth. Whether due to bad habits like thumb-sucking or genetics, you might notice your child’s permanent teeth are appearing in all the wrong places. To avoid needing a long time with braces or perhaps having surgery, your child could get treatment while their jaw is still growing, making the necessary adjustments far easier.

Sometimes, the jaw itself grows irregularly, causing the teeth to not bite down properly. This can also lead to underbites, overbites, and crossbites, which can be more difficult to fix later on in life. When the jaw doesn’t grow correctly, it can also cause teeth to become impacted, which is when a permanent tooth doesn’t have room to erupt. Early orthodontics can fix these issues with little intrusion and short-term solutions, preventing more involved and costly treatments in the future.

Common Early Phase Treatments

One of the most common types of early phase treatments is partial braces. When your child is young and their jaw is still growing, partial braces can quickly make precise adjustments to fix issues of crowding and spacing. Partial braces will only be installed on the teeth that are the most severely misaligned, positioning them to more easily adjust with a full set of braces when they are older.

Another common method of early intervention involves using a palatal expander. When the upper jaw is too small, it can lead to issues like a misaligned bite, crowding, and impaction. A palatal expander is a small metal device adhered to the roof of the mouth, with extensions that apply pressure to the inside of the upper jaw. This early phase treatment will expand the upper jaw to make room for all the teeth to erupt properly and for the jaw to bite down comfortably.

Contact Austin Orthodontics today and schedule a free consultation to see if your child could benefit from early orthodontics.

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Why Austin Orthodontics Is the Best Orthodontist for You

May 3, 2019 Austin Orthodontics

There can be a lot of claims that a certain orthodontist is the best of the best, but what backs up those claims? You see, to be among the best in the industry, it takes dedication, skill and the absolute willingness to provide patients with superior treatment plans and top-of-the-line products. There’s no cutting corners when you’re the best solution in orthodontics. When it comes to choosing an orthodontist to help correct the issues with your teeth, don’t you want the best? Here’s why Austin Orthodontics is the best orthodontist for you.

A Step Above the Competition

Choosing an orthodontist can be a daunting task if only because there are so many to choose from. Find an orthodontist who focuses on you. At Austin Orthodontics, our mission is to provide top-level care and help our patients achieve the best smiles possible. Our team offers a state-of-the-art experience in a warm inviting, stress-free environment, so our patients can focus on one thing—their treatment.

Not only is our team among the best in the industry, they help patients get the most out of their treatment, providing them with the necessary guidance and tools for maximum success. Through specialized treatment plans, our staff provides custom solutions for each individual patient, going the extra mile to ensure treatment is comfortable and the absolute best it can be.

Superior Treatment Plans

Our professionals treat a variety of orthodontic issues and address problems with bites, crowding, spacing, alignment and more. We offer custom-designed plans, utilizing numerous products, including:

  • Invisalign clear aligners
  • Self-ligating braces
  • Ceramic braces
  • WildSmiles

Our practice also offers OrthoPulse, which aids in reducing the treatment time for patients with braces or clear aligners. Utilizing low level light therapy, the bone around the roots of the teeth is stimulated, facilitating tooth movement.

Next Level Expertise

Unlike many orthodontic practices, our team has extensive experience with jaw issues, such as TMJ. This oftentimes debilitating condition can cause extreme discomfort and pain, making everyday tasks, like eating and talking, uncomfortable. Our digital radiology and imaging software is used to help achieve lasting results, helping patients suffering from these issues to live a life free from pain.

Our team also specializes in surgical orthodontics to help correct issues, such as jaw bone abnormalities and malocclusions. This complex area of treatment helps to properly align the jaw and allow for proper growth.

Choosing Austin Orthodontics

When you choose our team, you not only get the very best treatment available, you get to work with the brightest minds in the industry. We’re focused on you and your success, and we ensure your treatment plan is tailored to you and only you. When you’re searching for the right orthodontist for you, choose wisely. After all, the fate of your success begins with your orthodontic team. When it’s time to choose a practice that you can trust, choose Austin Orthodontics.

The team at Austin Orthodontics is ready to help you achieve a dazzling smile! Call (512) 331-7900 to learn more.

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Get Acquainted with Austin Orthodontics: Dr. Briggs

April 24, 2019 Austin Orthodontics

Having your teeth adjusted by someone you don’t know is understandably a little daunting. But after a visit with our very own Dr. Briggs, you’ll realize orthodontists aren’t so scary after all! Dr. Briggs proudly served in the United States Air Force, where he provided orthodontic treatment to military personnel and their families.

In addition to using his orthodontic expertise, Dr. Briggs also enjoys connecting with new people as he helps them achieve a new smile. Here are some fun facts to help you get to know Dr. Briggs better.

What is the nerdiest thing you do in your spare time?

When I’m not here at the office, I love tending to my garden at home.

What is something your patients would be surprised to learn about you?

Back in college, I was a decathlon athlete.

What was your favorite book, toy, or outfit as a child?

Anything Superman! I loved Superman comics, action figures, and even had Superman pajamas!

What is your favorite local restaurant and your go-to order?

MIghty Fine! Their half-pound cheeseburger with avocados and jalapenos is delicious!

What would you do for a career if you weren’t an orthodontist?

I would be a landscape designer.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

Flying! I mean, who doesn’t want to fly?

How do you like to spend your days off?

Working outside and spending time with my family.

What lesson from Mom do you still live by today?

Eat well and take care of your body (but still enjoy hamburgers from time to time).

If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Hamburgers!

What one accomplishment are you most proud of?  

Owning and growing my own business with my wife and best friend.

Contact Austin Orthodontics today to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Briggs. You’ll likely find that there is plenty you have in common!

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Invisalign vs. Braces: Deciding Which Is Best for You

April 23, 2019 Austin Orthodontics

When you visit Austin Orthodontics for your free assessment, Dr. Briggs and his team will gladly go over which orthodontic treatment will achieve you or your child’s desired result. Two of the most common types of orthodontic treatment are Invisalign and braces.

Braces

Still the most effective method of straightening teeth, braces have the capacity to correct some of the most severe orthodontic problems. Braces are made up of brackets adhered to your teeth using dental adhesive. In self-ligating braces, which are used at Austin Orthodontics, archwires are attached to the brackets with little gates and apply corrective pressure to the teeth.

Many patients immediately think of silver, square brackets when they hear the word “braces,” but there are more options today. If patients want their treatment to be less noticeable, they can choose clear, ceramic braces, which work the same as metal braces and can tackle the same issues. Kids and teens can express their personality and sense of style with WildSmiles braces, which offer brackets in several fun shapes.

When it comes to braces, even with the technological advances that have been made, there are still some drawbacks. Your smile will look different over the course of your treatment and you will need to get used to some mild discomfort. You will also need to be careful when choosing what foods to eat and during brushing and flossing.

However, braces are hands down the most affordable option for getting a straight smile and they are the most effective way to treat tough orthodontic issues.

Invisalign

The Invisalign clear aligner system stands out among other types of orthodontic treatment because they don’t stand out when placed on your teeth. The aligners are invisible and removable, allowing you to have an uncluttered smile and zero restrictions on the types of food you can eat during your treatment. Just remember to take your aligners out and put them in a safe place if you are eating or drinking anything other than cold water.

Many people who want to maintain a mature, professional appearance prefer this option since the aligners are undetectable unless inspected up close. Couples approaching their wedding day may prefer this option since they can look at their best on their big day and look back at photos of themselves with clear smiles. Teens can also take advantage of this type of treatment with Invisalign Teen.

Invisalign is effective for mild to moderate types of orthodontic adjustments, including some malocclusions. More severe crossbites, overbites, or underbites, along with large gaps and significant rotations, may require braces.

Some patients prefer the consistency and security of having braces on their teeth, while others may value the freedom Invisalign offers and feel confident in their ability to keep track of their aligners. The experts at Austin Orthodontics can discuss the options available and help you choose the best solution for you or your child.  

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Comparing Different Types of Braces

Austin Orthodontics

Before visiting Austin Orthodontics for a free consultation, you may be under the impression that there is only one type of braces for you to choose. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. There are more options than ever to get a beautiful, straight smile you will be happy to show off. Here are the types of braces we offer.

Self-Ligating Braces

Let’s start with the basics, shall we? Most people picture silver braces with brackets and wires when they think about orthodontic treatment. This tried-and-true method of straightening teeth has been used for decades to straighten people’s smiles and to fix jaw issues.

Self-ligating braces use the same bracket-and-wire approach, but instead of using elastic bands to attach the archwire, each bracket has a small gate that holds the wire in place. The elimination of the bands definitely has benefits, including a sleeker, less-cluttered smile and the increased ease of brushing and flossing. Patients have also experienced less discomfort compared to regular braces because the gate on each bracket allows more freedom to move than elastic bands do.

During the course of treatment, your orthodontist will adjust your braces during your visits to start the next correction phase. These adjustments with self-ligating braces often take less time than with traditional braces because it is faster to open the gate on each bracket to change or reposition the archwire than to remove and replace elastic bands.

Clear Braces

While metal braces are smaller and more discreet than they were in the past, they still are the most visible form of braces. An alternative to metal braces that delivers excellent results is clear braces. By replacing the metal brackets with a clear material, typically porcelain or ceramic, the braces are far less noticeable and result in a less cluttered smile. This can be a great option for people who are in college or who are trying to advance their careers but still want to correct their smile.  

At Austin Orthodontics, our clear braces are also self-ligating, which means your braces are even less noticeable since they do not require elastic bands on each bracket.

WildSmiles

While older teens and adults are often looking for ways to make their orthodontic treatment less noticeable, many younger teens and tweens embrace their braces (pun intended) and incorporate them as part of their personal style. WildSmiles, available here at Austin Orthodontics, gives kids the ability to add fun-shaped brackets to their smiles. They still get great results since the braces are just as effective as traditional braces, but instead of only sticking to the plain bracket shape, they can express their personality by choosing from various sports ball shapes, flowers, stars, and more!

Contact Dr. Briggs and the team at  Austin Orthodontics today to learn more about these great options for braces. We offer free initial consultations so you can determine what type of treatment would work best and if we are the right fit for you.

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What Is Invisalign and How Does It Work?

April 17, 2019 Austin Orthodontics

Like all medical practices, orthodontics has seen some exciting technological advances over the years. It wasn’t that long ago that the only choice if you wanted to get a straight smile was metal braces. One of the most significant milestones in orthodontics was the introduction of the Invisalign clear aligner system, giving patients a whole new alternative to bonded braces.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign straightens teeth using a series of clear, plastic aligners rather than brackets and wires. The clear aligners are made from a 3-dimensional scan of your teeth and bite.  Using this 3D model, Dr. Briggs plans the movements of your teeth using a highly specialized software, then Invisalign fabricates a custom series of aligners according to his plan. Over the course of your treatment with Invisalign, you will visit our office to ensure the teeth are moving correctly and to get additional sets of your custom aligners, each one progressively moving your teeth until they are straight. Because the aligners are made especially for you, they fit snugly and securely right over your teeth, easily snapping into place with little to no interference with speech or other activities.

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign aligners are totally clear, giving you an uncluttered smile you can proudly share during any occasion while you are in treatment. The close fit also results in a very high comfort level and poses no risk of gum or lip irritation or abrasions.

In addition to being almost invisible, the two biggest additional benefits of Invisalign are:

  1. You can simply take them out any time you eat, effectively eliminating any dietary restrictions while your teeth are being straightened.
  2. You can brush and floss normally (no special cleaning tools required)

Some other awesome benefits are you can play sports without worrying about damaging any brackets or wires and can play wind instruments without having to adjust to the feeling of braces on your teeth. Just remember to store your aligners in a safe place when you remove them to play and wear proper mouth protection when playing contact sports.

Best Practices with Invisalign

You will need to keep your aligners in for at least 22 hours per day to complete your treatment on time.  Consistent wear is the KEY to Invisalign’s success.

The ability to remove your aligners during your treatment allows for life to be more convenient, but it also protects your aligners from damage. You will need to remember to remove your aligners for each meal or snack, or anytime you drink hot or dark liquids to prevent cracking, warping, or staining. Since the aligners are clear plastic, you will want to place them directly in their case when not in use. Otherwise, they can get lost or damaged.

You will be changing to a new fresh aligner each week and so keeping your mouth and aligners clean is easy.  You should clean your aligners at least twice a day when you brush your teeth, simply brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse them with fresh water. We do also have a few specialized cleaning solutions you can use to soak your aligners to prevent calcium buildup if needed.

If keeping your smile looking bright and uncluttered during your treatment is important to you, schedule a free consultation to learn more about Invisalign at Austin Orthodontics.

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How Much Do Braces or Invisalign Cost?

Austin Orthodontics

When you are finished with your orthodontic treatment, you will have a beautiful smile that will boost you or your child’s confidence. Plus, the issues orthodontics address will make keeping you or your child’s teeth healthy far easier than before. These long-term benefits will be well worth the investment. However, you may still be wondering how much Invisalign and braces cost.

The Cost of Invisalign and Braces

The answer to this question isn’t so straightforward. Each patient is different and will require a specialized plan that is unique to them, so the actual price will depend on what corrections are needed and what your orthodontist prescribes.

If the corrections needed are minor, you can expect the overall price to be relatively low. But if more dramatic changes need to be made that require a lengthy treatment or surgery, this will affect the overall cost.

What you can expect from Austin Orthodontics are no surprises. To start out, we offer a free consultation and exam to go over concerns for your teeth or your kids’ teeth and to discuss possible treatment options. Once treatment begins, we offer convenient and reasonable payment plans. We discuss pricing estimates and look into any available insurance coverage when your plan is created to ensure your treatment will fit within your budget.

In-House Financing

We understand making life-long improvements to your smile is a significant investment, and we don’t expect you to pay for the whole treatment all at once. We offer interest-free monthly installments and affordable down payments, and monthly payments can be made in our office or through electronic transfers from your preferred bank account. By making your payments over time, the financial burden becomes far less stressful.

Dental Insurance

We also accept dental insurance plans that cover orthodontic treatment. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to find out exactly what is covered and what isn’t, or we can check for you if you bring your policy information to the initial exam. Your insurance could very well cover a large part of the cost, especially if it is for your child, making treatment far more affordable.

Courtesies

One significant saving available is for families with multiple people in treatment. We offer a courtesy for families that have multiple kids or parents who are in treatment to reduce the financial responsibility. We also show our appreciation to all military service members and their families by offering special rates for their orthodontic treatment.

To learn more about how to pay for braces and Invisalign and our available options, contact Austin Orthodontics today!

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