Protective Measures for Maintaining a Perfect Smile
By Greg Greenberg | Published on March 7, 2011 | 0 Comments
The road to a perfect set of teeth often involves preparation and maintenance. Before you get your actual braces on, you may need to inquire about some preparatory devices your mouth may require. In fact, even once your braces come off, your road to straight teeth does not come to an end. While your new, perfect teeth have never looked better, keep in mind the importance of making them remain that way. In practice for over 20 years, Dr. Greg Greenberg, an accomplished Dallas, Texas orthodontist, makes sure that every patient gets the most customized treatment to yield a long-lasting straight smile.
The process for the straightest teeth may involve two phases, Greenberg often reminds his patients. Before you begin working on the straightening process, other issues in your mouth must be addressed as well. For those with overbites, appliances that target the jaw line may be a necessity. Dr. Greenberg is able to provide patients with certain applications that move the lower jaw slightly forward and the upper molars backwards. Fixing your jaw line, he explains, can visibly improve your facial structure.
A palate expander, or a “butterfly,” is also part of the first phase of your path to a beautiful smile. As Dr. Greenberg explains, this device does one of two things. One, it makes room for your teeth to align properly. Second, it corrects a crossbite or an upper jaw that is too narrow. Normally, a palate expander is worn from six to 12 months. The gradual expansion of your upper palate allows more room for the straightening of your teeth. When it comes to making these significant changes, Dr. Greenberg says, the earlier the better. Creating a good foundation at a young age can prevent bigger problems from forming later on; and the younger you are, the easier it is to correct the more severe problems.
The second phase consists of the braces themselves. As one of the most skilled and experienced orthodontists in Dallas Texas, Dr. Greenberg has the highest level of knowledge to ultimately give you an everlasting straight smile. Always paying scrupulous attention to detail, Dr. Greenberg will make your time with braces completely worth it in the long run.
Of course, your smile still deserves attention even once your braces are off. Maintaining your new straight teeth and attractive facial structure is highly important. Especially for younger patients whose mouths are still prone to changes, wearing retainers is an absolute must, warns Dr. Greenberg. Two months after removing your braces, retainers are to be worn around the clock. After those two months, retainers should be worn at night for optimum upkeep of your beautiful set of teeth. It may take some effort to preserve your new smile, but in the end, it will all be worth it.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.