Children and Orthodontics

1. What is an Orthodontist?

An Orthodontist is a highly trained specialist who has completed two to three years of training after graduating from dental school. An orthodontist not only straightens teeth but also is interested in the bite, facial profile, and oral growth. 

2. Why should I see an orthodontic specialist?

Orthodontist has two or three years of highly specialized training above and beyond that of a general dentist in correcting jaw and bite irregularities. An orthodontic specialist does only orthodontics. Other types of dentists can legally offer braces to their patients, but lack the intensive training and specialized experience of an orthodontist. A pediatric dentist has specialized knowledge of how to do fillings and crowns for children. An oral surgeon has specialized knowledge of how to do complex surgical and anesthetic procedures. A general dentist lacks specialized training in bite correction and jaw irregularities. Just as we seek the opinions of medical specialists, such as cardiologists and dermatologists, for specific medical problems, it is important to choose the proper dental specialists for bite corrections. 

Dr. Beim is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the only organization of orthodontists recognized by the American Dental Association, and has successfully provided orthodontic treatment to several thousand patients since opening his practice in 1990.

3. At what age should an orthodontist see my child?

The American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association recommend that a child be evaluated by age seven. Early detection of some orthodontic problems is important in order to take early corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later. Most patients, however, are treated during adolescence between the ages of 10-12.

4. How do I know if my child is in need of orthodontic treatment?

It is usually difficult for you to determine if treatment is necessary because there are many problems that can occur even though the front teeth look straight. Also, there are some problems that look intimidating and complex which will resolve on their own. Asking your general dentist is a good place to start, but we are your best resource since orthodontics is a specialty and it is all that we do. The following are just a few of the early indications that an orthodontic problem may be present.

• Crowded teeth
• Early loss of teeth
• Underbite
• Mouth breathing
• Thumb and finger habits
• Missing teeth
• Protrusion of front teeth
• Crossbites
• Speech difficulties
• Poor facial profile
• Low self-esteem from teeth misalignment

To learn more or for more questions, please call us at (407) 323-0600

Tips from Beim Orthodontics for a Healthy Smile

Protect Your Face

It’s National Facial Protection Month so Beim Orthodontics would like to remind everyone to protect those faces (and those smiles) this spring. 

  

Photo provided by perfectteeth.com

Did you know spring is one of the busiest times in emergency rooms for mouth and facial injuries?  Several of these injuries happen in the spring because they are sports-related accidents that could have easily been prevented with the use of sports safety equipment. 

By utilizing equipment like helmets and mouth guards, children and adults can avoid serious facial injuries. Just by wearing a mouth guard or helmet, patients can reduce the risk of concussions, knocking out teeth, or breaking jaw bones. Most coaches recommend a mouth guard or helmet, but unfortunately several athletes stray away from these two very important pieces of equipment because they don’t comprehend the importance of wearing them.  

We can’t stress enough the importance of simply wearing a mouth guard or helmet during organized sports and activities. There are 3 different types of mouth guards on the market today...all of which will help to protect your smile.  

• Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards - Made by your dentist for you personally.
• Stock Mouth Guards - Pre-formed and may offer a bulky fit. 
• Boil and Bite Mouth Guards - Softened in boiling water and then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of your mouth. 

Mouth guards are a smart investment for your health, so be sure to make the use of a mouth guard a routine. If you have any questions regarding facial protection, please contact Beim Orthodontics at 407-323-0600.

  

Selfies 101

Photo provided by livefortech.com

We know, at first it seemed a little silly, all these people taking photos of themselves and posting them online. But did you know that taking selfies is a great way to show off your personality and confidence? 

Taking a selfie is an art form in itself. A great selfie is more than just a quick camera click, it actually takes a level of skill to capture and edit the perfect one. But don't worry...Beim Orthodontics has your back. We have some simple techniques, that when practiced, will make you a selfie master in no time at all.

1. Capture Your Best Angle. Instead of taking the picture head-on, turn your head a little to the right or left, or maybe hold your camera a little higher.  Try different angles to show off your best features. 
2. Show Off Something New. If you decide to take a selfie to show off something new, like…oh we don’t know, maybe your braces, make sure that you frame the photo in a way that highlights the new accessory that has you so excited. 
3. Have Expression. You can never go wrong with smiling! Play around with different smiles and expressions and have fun! No matter what, a smile is the best expression you can wear.  
4. Focus on Lighting. A great light source is an essential part of taking any photograph. Natural light is best, so start taking those selfies near a window or outdoors. 
5.  Don't Use a Mirror. Just stretch your arm out, point the camera toward your face and click. You can use your face forward camera to make it easier!  

Ok, now you’re ready! Upload those selfies to all of your feeds…Instagram, Facebook, anywhere and everywhere. Are you a patient of Beim Orthodontics? Then tag us in your selfies, we'd love to see your smiling faces! Use #BeimOrtho!

More than Just Straight Teeth

Beim Orthodontics

Our dedication to providing extraordinary personal service with compassion and consideration to the unique needs of each of our patients is our top priority. We feel open communication is extremely important in creating a positive environment for our patients and ensuring a successful treatment outcome. 

Here at Beim Orthodontics, we consider dental health to be an integral part of overall good health. We believe that good dental health can instill a sense of well-being, provide a lifelong smile, and promote good overall health. 

To that note, let’s talk about the truth about our teeth. Our bone and gum tissues are supported by our teeth. If this support is lost or is poorly aligned, then our bone and gums can begin to erode. If the teeth are properly aligned the bone and gums are less likely to erode. 

Your teeth play an important role in digestion. Before your food ever enters your stomach, it has to be chewed by your teeth. This process is called mastication. The food has to be partially broken down before entering your stomach to be properly digested. Braces straighten your teeth and give you the alignment you need to properly chew your food.  

If you are concerned about your alignment, or simply have questions on how to improve your dental health, let’s talk! Our caring team takes pride in providing exceptional care to patients of all ages. You can schedule an appointment right on our website by clicking here. Or simply give us a call at (407) 323-0600. 

This Stinks

Photo provided by oralb.com

After getting braces, new patients may develop bad breath from not cleaning their teeth properly. Simply doing a quick job brushing your teeth is not enough to keep your teeth in great shape, especially when you wear braces. Bacteria feeds on food particles leftover after you eat, and this sneaky bacterium creates an unpleasant odor.  

We certainly understand bad breath can be uncomfortable to talk about, but it happens to most of us. The important thing to do if you’re experiencing bad breath (or know someone who is) is to determine the root of the problem. The most common factor for bad breath our patients is almost typically caused by poor oral hygiene.

It's important to brush immediately after every meal or snack or at least rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash if you aren’t able to brush. Bad breath-causing odors and bacteria can also cling to removable orthodontics (like a retainer or clear aligners), so be sure to remove them before eating, even if you're only having a snack. Make sure to ask at your next appointment for a few tips to help keep your Beim Orthodontics smile in tip-top shape!
 

Eating With Braces

Photo provided by oralb.com

Now that you have your braces, what foods can you still enjoy? While some foods are off limits, don't worry, you'll be eating popcorn and snacking on potato chips again in no time! However, before you can start enjoying some of the treats you love, you will need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances.

Foods to AVOID with braces:

• Chewy foods — bagels, licorice
• Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
• Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum
• Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
• Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Foods you CAN eat with braces:

• Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
• Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
• Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice
• Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
• Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes
• Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
• Fruits — applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
• Treats — ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake

Always remember to maintain a good oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing to keep your teeth looking their best, and they’ll look even better when your braces are removed. 

If you have any questions regarding your braces, please be sure to talk with the staff at Beim Orthodontics during your next visit.