Many people will visit an
orthodontist at least once
in their lifetime
Orthodontics are so much more than simply straightening your teeth – although we do that too!
3Shape Trios 4 digital imaging works.
Having orthodontic treatment can help patients eat and even speak more easily.
Our knowledgeable team is dedicated to providing our patients of all ages with the highest quality care so they can live their life with improved smiles and better health.
We are experienced with placing a number of orthodontic devices including metal braces, clear braces, space maintainers, and retainers. We also use 3Shape Trios 4, a dental impression scanner, to help us come up with the best treatment plan. No matter what your diagnosis, you can trust us to create a personalized treatment plan that will improve the alignment of your teeth in the easiest, most comfortable way.
There are many benefits to orthodontics: straighter teeth improve oral health since they’re easier to brush, clean, and floss. However, there’s nothing wrong with simply wanting to improve your smile. Having a nice smile has been shown to boost children and adults’ self-esteem in a meaningful and lasting way.
See what a beautiful smile can do for you!
See what a beautiful
smile can do for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you’ll find a list of the most commonly asked questions we receive about orthodontics. If you can’t find the answer to your question here, please feel free to contact us.
When do I need to see an orthodontist?
Adults can see an orthodontist any time they want to straighten their teeth. A child’s dentist may recommend seeing an orthodontist after permanent teeth have erupted, especially if he or she has noticed any misalignment. This is generally when children are between seven and 10 years old.
Should I still go to the dentist after I get orthodontic treatment?
Yes, you should continue seeing your dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings.
What is an initial visit like?
Can I get braces if I have a metal allergy?
Yes, we make braces with multiple different types of metal including stainless steel, nickel titanium, full titanium or gold-plated stainless steels. If these options don’t work for you, we have other options available such as clear braces made of ceramic.
Where is your office?
141 West 3rd Street
Perrysburg, OH 43551
Life with Braces
You have braces… Now what?
Once you’ve made the decision to get braces, there are some minor lifestyle changes of which you should be aware. Understanding the following guidelines will help you get the best results from your orthodontic treatment.
Eating with Braces
Your braces may be made of metal, but they’re not impervious to damage. Here’s a list of food to avoid eating while wearing braces:
- Chewy foods such as bagels and licorice
- Crunchy foods such as chips, popcorn, or ice
- Sticky foods such as caramel and gum
- Hard foods such as nuts and hard candies
- Foods that you need to bite into such as corn on the cob, apples, and carrots
Although this list may seem restrictive, there are plenty of food and treats that you can enjoy even while wearing your braces:
- Dairy such as soft cheese, pudding, and yogurt
- Breads such as soft tortillas, pancakes, and nut-free muffins
- Grains such as pasta and soft cooked rice
- Meat such as soft cooked chicken, meatballs, and lunch meats
- Seafood such as tuna, salmon, and crab cakes
- Vegetables such as mashed potatoes and steamed spinach
- Fruits such as applesauce, bananas, and soft peaches
- Desserts such as nut-free ice cream, milkshakes, Jell-O, and cake
Soreness and Braces
Anytime you shift your teeth, your mouth may feel sore due to the movement. Your mouth will also take a few weeks to toughen up and get used to your new appliance.
You can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to lessen the pain. Another pain-relief method to try is swishing and gargling a salt solution. Mix half a teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water and swish it around your mouth (but don’t swallow it!). We can also give you some wax to apply to your braces to reduce the friction against the inside of your cheek.
Teeth feeling loose
As your teeth adjust to the right position, they may feel loose. This is completely normal and necessary to enable them to shift in your mouth.
Wires and bands
Sometimes your braces’ wires and bands may become loose. Contact us and we can repair your braces. If a piece of your braces comes off, save it and bring it with you. In the meantime, you can use the back of a spoon to push a loose wire back in place. You can also put wax over the broken wire to prevent any painful rubbing.
Taking good care of your braces will ensure that your treatment finishes on the projected timeline.
Braces and Sports
You can still play sports with braces. Just make sure that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces, yourself, and others while you’re playing. We can also help you find a mouthguard that provides the best protection.
Sometimes there are unexpected emergencies, such as an accidental hit to the mouth. In this situation, check your mouth and your braces for any damage. If there are any issues, such as newly loosened teeth or damage, contact us right away. Swishing with a salt water solution and using wax can help with any minor pain.