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At Catawba Valley Dental Care we feel children should be treated idealistically and adults realistically. During adolescence is a good time to fix not only the teeth but any facial or jaw discrepancies; this often requires brackets and wires. However, adults often have specific goals in mind and may prefer to undergo treatment that is more aesthetic, like Invisalign®.

Most often, our Charlotte dental patients consider orthodontic treatment because they have:

• A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
• Teeth that are crowded or spaced apart, possibly leading to tooth decay or gum disease
• Abnormal jaw pain or pressure that is caused by crooked teeth
• A desire for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile

Orthodontics for Adults vs. Orthodontics for Children

The main difference between treating adults and children or teens is that the jawbones of younger patients are still developing as well as teeth that are still erupting. Other differences include:

• Gum or bone loss (periodontal disease) — Adults are more likely than children to experience gum recession or even bone loss due to gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease. Patients with straighter teeth are less likely to get gum disease because straight teeth are easier to keep clean.
• Worn or missing teeth — Over time teeth can become worn down and shift into different positions that can only be corrected with orthodontic care. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift and tilt, creating a bad bite and increasing the possibility of gum disease.
• Incomplete orthodontic treatment as a teen — Many adults received some orthodontic treatment as a child or teen, but never completed their treatment. As an adult, they choose to complete their orthodontic treatment to achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they always wanted.

Types of Braces in Charlotte, NC

Here at Catawba Valley Dental Care, we understand your desire to have a smile that is as beautiful as it is healthy.

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires used to straighten and align teeth. Traditional braces offer more control and fine tuning especially in very difficult cases. Patients with jaw discrepancies, cross bites, and poor occlusion often are better candidates for traditional brackets and wires. If compliance may be an issue, traditional braces should be selected over removable appliances, as they require a specific amount of patient commitment.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, like Invisalign®, work but fitting securely to your teeth and progressively moving the teeth through a series of aligners. Clear aligners provide superior esthetics during treatment and also enable the patient to complete hygiene easier. Aligners can be removed by the patient to eat, drink, and clean their teeth, keeping them clean and healthy without all the debris caught and retained by traditional braces.

The effects of bad oral habits are something our team sees all too often. You might have bad oral habits that stem from childhood, possibly because your parents did not know about proper oral care or force you to follow it. Or, your bad habits could develop gradually, like slacking on your frequency of brushing.

Bad oral habits can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and consequences such as losing teeth and experiencing bad pain. They may be deeply ingrained and easy to continue, but you can break them with a little effort. Focus on developing good habits to replace your current ones, and eating a diet that is healthy for your teeth.

Replace Bad Habits with Good

Breaking your bad oral habits may not be as difficult as you expect when you focus instead on developing good habits. These new good habits can naturally replace your bad habits.

• Brush your teeth after each meal or at least twice a day.
• Visit a dentist every six months for an exam and a professional cleaning.
• Floss your teeth every day.

These good habits may not seem natural, so you can take steps to make sure you follow these behaviors. For example, make a daily checklist with your scheduled sessions of brushing and flossing your teeth and using mouthwash. You can also set a timer to be sure you brush your teeth for the full recommended two minutes.

Eat Properly

Poor eating habits can be detrimental to your teeth. A common mistake is to let food, especially carbohydrates such as starch and sugar, stay on your teeth for a long time. You can stop doing this by rinsing your mouth with water after each meal or snack. Also, avoid candy and soft drinks between meals, since the sugar sits on your teeth.

A healthy diet provides the nutrients you need to maintain strong teeth. The mineral calcium is key for healthy teeth, so try to get your three daily servings of high-calcium foods, such as low-fat milk or yogurt, canned fish, or fortified soy or almond milk. Also include vegetables and fruits, which have a high water content.

If you need more tips about breaking your bad oral health habits, contact our Charlotte office and speak with Dr. Chad Vanourny or a member of our team.

While mouthwash goes a long way in improving your oral care, it is not a substitute for flossing. Mouthwashes and flossing provide different benefits that you should understand.

Mouthwash Benefits

Mouthwash comes in two categories. Some are considered cosmetic. This type of rinse provides temporary relief from bad breath and has a pleasant taste. These do not actually kill any bacteria.

Therapeutic mouthwashes provide the healthier benefits. These may contain different ingredients including fluoride or antimicrobial agents. This type is used to remove plaque buildup and reduce the potential for calculus formation. Therapeutic rinses can also help prevent cavities, bad breath, and gingivitis. In addition, Dr. Chad Vanourny can prescribe special rinses to assist patients after periodontal surgery or other procedures.

Flossing Benefits

Flossing is what removes the plaque formation before it can harden and become calculus. While a rinse reduces buildup, only flossing will fully remove plaque, especially between teeth. The bristles on a toothbrush do not get between teeth completely. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar or calculus. When this builds below the gum line, gum disease can start.

Types of Floss

Floss is available in a thin string form or a tape. It can be waxed or unwaxed. If you find flossing difficult, you might want to try a different type of floss. You can buy bulk floss in containers or purchase the disposable type with a plastic handle attached. This style can be easier for many individuals to use. Interdental picks are available for bridgework or other situations where regular floss cannot be used.

If you have questions regarding the best mouthwash or floss, or need tips for easier flossing, please ask our Charlotte team for advice. We will be glad to give you solutions to help keep your mouth clean and healthy.