Getting That Perfect Smile in Austin, Texas
Perhaps you’ve always had crooked teeth but never really understood what was so important about having them fixed. Besides, other than aesthetics, are crooked teeth really that detrimental? You might be surprised to know that crooked teeth can impact more than just how you look when you smile. It can greatly disrupt your oral health. To determine if you should take the plunge and have braces put on, consider some of these signs.
- Crowded and Packed Teeth
If your teeth are crowded or packed, then it means you have a set of teeth that overlap one another. For example, you may have a few molars that sit in front of one another instead of beside one another. This is most common in your front teeth and incisors. They can prove a threat to your oral health. This is because teeth that are tightly packed together are more difficult to floss. As a result, plaque can easily build up and lead to gum disease and tooth loss.
You may also experience a hit to your self-esteem. Since first impressions are often made based on the appearance of your teeth, you may feel that you’re sending the wrong message to people. All because you have overcrowded teeth. Getting braces in Austin can be a great fix to put those teeth where they belong.
- Gaps
Another indicator that you may need braces is if you have gaps in your teeth. Gaps typically arise because the upper and lower jaws aren’t aligned properly. Misalignment can occur simply because of genetics. However, it can also be a result of thumb-sucking when you were a toddler or young child. It may also be because of the way the oral tissue formed in the first place. Gaps in your teeth aren’t good to have. For one, it disrupts the forces of the teeth around it. This can lead to further tooth loss. It also puts you at further risk of gum disease because the gums are vulnerable to infection and plaque.
- Uncomfortable Bite
Perhaps you’ve noticed that when you bite down, your teeth don’t come together correctly. It may even cause you some pain. Because of tooth misalignment, you may be more prone to headaches, neck pain, and even suffer from delayed or impaired speech development that can impact the rest of your development. Braces can correct your bite and reduce the chances of having further problems with your bite in the future.
- Jaw Pain
If you’re experiencing jaw pain or have experienced it in the past, then this is usually a sign that the forces within your mouth are misaligned. Your jaw structure relies heavily on a correct bite. When that formation isn’t present, your jaw has to work extra hard to chew your food. This trauma can then escalate into a pain that you feel in your jaw. It can even spread to your head and neck. Without having braces put into place, this problem can continue to the point where you have difficulty chewing and even speaking.
- Difficulty Chewing/Speaking
One last sign that you may need braces is if you already suffer from a difficulty in chewing and speaking. Because both can have a larger impact on your life and overall health, it’s important that you receive braces to amend these problems. Not only can braces reduce the chances of developing a speech impediment, but it can also keep you from biting into your cheeks and roof of your mouth. Find relief with braces.
If you are ready to take that first step toward greater health and confidence, contact RJ Orthodontics Austin Texas. With years of experience helping others find their smile, we are here to help you find YOUR smile. Conveniently located in the Four Points area of Austin, TX, RJ Orthodontics proudly serves the surrounding communities of Steiner Ranch, Lake Travis, River Place, Grandview Hills, Westminster Glen, Comanche Trail, Jester Village, Lakeway, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Hutto, and Leander.
At RJ Orthodontics in Austin TX, there are many types of appliances used for orthodontic treatments. Dr. RJ uses these appliances to help straighten teeth, prepare the teeth and mouth for braces, and support the braces process.
Here are some common orthodontic appliances:
Spacers or Separators
Spacers are small rubber spheres that are typically placed between the teeth in order to move them apart. This is done to create a space that orthodontic bands may be placed in. Spacers are removed prior to placing the bands between the teeth. When spacers are used, patients must refrain from eating foods that are sticky, using toothpicks, or using floss. Use of floss, toothpicks, or eating sticky foods may inadvertently move or remove the spacers.
Elastics & Rubber Bands
Wearing rubber bands may help to improve the fit of a patient’s lower teeth and upper teeth. Elastics should be worn as instructed by Dr. RJ.
Bite Corrector
Often used as an alternative treatment to rubber bands or headgear, a bite corrector works to improve the fitness of teeth, eliminate and decrease overbite, and prevent the possible need of surgery on the jaw.
Retainers
Retainers work to hold teeth in the correct position after they have been straightened. Retainers should be worn at night in order to keep teeth in the straight and correct position.
Palatal Expander
Palatal expanders widens the upper jaw through gentle pressure on the upper teeth after an adjustment is made. After the expansion is complete, the palatal expander is typically worn for several months in order to prevent movement of the teeth.
As you can see, these appliances help optimize the effectiveness of your Orthodontic treatment. If you are interested in a free consultation to help straighten your teeth, please contact Dr. RJ Jackson. He is a board certified Austin Orthodontist and has worked to create hundreds of new smiles in Austin with braces and Invisalign.
Dr. RJ received his “Businessman of the Year” award this weekend from the West Austin Chamber of Commerce!
Visit the West Austin Chamber of Commerce website for more event photos.
Do Braces Hurt?
Teens frequently wonder whether braces treatment leads to pain. They often fail to actually pose the concern to others, however. That’s because they dread hearing the answer. The truth can sometimes be extremely intimidating. Teenagers should understand, though, that braces aren’t at all a scary treatment. Orthodontists who put braces on don’t have to be frightening to anyone. Braces application tends to be swift and efficient. It’s generally 100 percent devoid of pain as well.
Putting brackets on top of the teeth is a thorough practice. Orthodontists such as Dr. RJ Jackson are seasoned professionals who have previously managed their treatment approaches with the assistance of models. They do this as a means of setting up specific spots for brackets. There are even orthodontists out there who put together prototypes that illustrate the specific spots of brackets for future gluing purposes. This degree of accuracy is the start of devising an orthodontic treatment course that’s effective.
Bracket application and orthodontic wire situating are two techniques that call for approximately two hours. These techniques do not bring discomfort. They entail putting cement on the top of the teeth followed by brackets. Last but not least comes cement curing. Putting wires on doesn’t lead to pain either. It doesn’t bring on tension that’s anything beyond mild. That’s exactly why it doesn’t trigger bone, gum and teeth discomfort.
Patients who get braces often say that teeth motion can bring on pressure that’s on the subtle side. Our patients typically don’t say a peep about discomfort or pain. Contemporary orthodontic technology advancements are all about lessening inflammation that’s triggered by the motion of the teeth. That’s why oral comfort troubles aren’t at all typical.
Some patients develop subtle comfort issues in the days that follow braces application. Tooth brackets can cause lip and cheek interior swelling. If you want to take care of this swelling, you simply have to put a bit of orthodontic wax onto problematic spots. Doing so can keep lip and cheek swelling at bay.
There are some patients who have penchants for chowing down on food items that are rather viscous in feel. If you think of yourself as being part of that camp, you may want to put the habit on hold for a little while. Braces call for the consumption of food items that are smooth. They call for the consumption of food items that aren’t gooey in any manner, too. If you make the mistake of feasting on foods that are gooey, you could unintentionally remove your brackets. It may be a hassle to have to refrain from reveling in certain kinds of foods. Your self-control, however, will end up being a big help to you further down the line. It can be incredibly annoying to have to deal with the tugging of wires. It can be annoying to have to deal with brackets that aren’t in their correct spots as well.
There you have it. Getting braces on is not painful at all, but rather a rewarding experience where you can uncover the smile that you have always dreamt of having. For a free consultation, visit your local Austin Orthodontics, Dr. RJ Jackson. We look forward to meeting you!
Hey Austin! Our smile, or a lack thereof, says a lot. Do you like to show your smile? Or, do you tend to hide it? If you find that you’re not smiling while others around you are, then a visit to RJ Orthodontics may be the solution. Dr. RJ Jackson can help put that great smile of yours back on your face, which can help in so many ways. Let’s look at a few reasons why you should take the first step to visit our Orthodontic office located in the Steiner Ranch area of Austin, TX.
Benefits to your overall dental and oral health
We constantly use our teeth and mouths. From the time we wake up to the time we sleep, we are constantly taking part in activities like eating, talking on our cellphones, or having conversations with coworkers, family, or friends. If your teeth are misaligned, they can cause damage to softer parts of your mouth or your other teeth simply through the action of talking and chewing. Getting your bite aligned can reduce the risk of damage and injury to your mouth and other teeth.
Helps your Self-esteem
Self-esteem is a complicated thing that is dependent upon so many factors, and our appearance tends to be one of those factors. Dr. RJ can help get that smile of yours back on track so you can share it with the world again. Being happy about our smile can give us that much-needed boost to our self-esteem, which can put you on the road to even higher achievement. This can really be important for teens, especially, as they are readying themselves for many life changes that lie ahead. A teen with higher self-esteem is a teen destined for success.
Improves Communication
Our smile projects self-assurance, confidence, and comfort. It’s so much easier to feel better about being around people whose body language tells us they want to be around us, isn’t it? Often people who fold their arms while we speak with them can appear to be aloof or antisocial. The lack of a genuine smile can convey a similar message to others. Our faces are usually the first impression others get when speaking with us, so it is important to have a smile that conveys the proper message. If our body language is more welcoming, we will be more friendly and welcoming to coworkers and new acquaintances. That fresh smile that Dr. RJ can give you, will make you more confident in social circumstances, even those that may be a bit stressful. We all want to show that we are calm under pressure, right? A confident grin does just that.
So, when you’re ready to take that first step toward greater health and confidence, contact RJ Orthodontics Austin Texas. With years of experience helping others find their smile, we are here to help you find YOUR smile.
Fall is almost here! Temperatures will soon start leveling off (perhaps a bit later than usual in Austin, TX), team sports are underway, and the kiddos will be heading back to school very soon! At RJ Orthodontics in Austin’s Steiner Ranch, we want to offer some helpful orthodontics and braces tips for kids as they start their journey into a new year of school.
Brushing: Make sure your child follows the 2×2 brushing rule. This means brushing for 2 minutes, 2 times each day. By keeping their mouth and teeth clean, your child can have quicker appointments and healthier teeth. Make sure you pack a brushing kit in your child’s backpack, so they can brush after lunch.
Hydration: Water is the secret ingredient that keeps your body hydrated and mouth clean from decay and cavities. Make sure your child takes a bottle of water to school every day and avoids sugary drinks.
Elastics: Rubber bands play an important role in helping move your child’s teeth to their desired position. Make sure your child keeps an extra pack of elastics in their backpack and even in their lockers. Not wearing elastics could prolong treatment times.
Eating Smart: A balanced diet is needed for the brain to function optimally and also helps keep your braces in good condition. Your child should avoid foods that are hard, sticky or crunchy. These foods can damage the wires and brackets used in braces. This damage can cause discomfort and lengthen treatment times. For breakfast, we recommend fruit smoothies, yogurt and eggs. For main dishes, look for soft cooked vegetables and starches including spaghetti, macaroni & cheese and lean cuts of soft meats. For snacks, your child can enjoy soft fruits such as bananas which are high in potassium and fiber which promotes heart and bone health. Other suitable fruits include cut up apples or pears which your child can chew with their back teeth. Biting into hard fruits can cause damage to braces. If your child is wearing Invisalign, then there are not many food restrictions since the aligners can be removed while eating. Just make sure that they thoroughly brush their teeth after every meal and keep their aligners clean as well.
Good luck in the 2018 – 2019 school year and remember to properly care for your teeth and braces every day! Contact RJ Orthodontics in Austin Texas with any questions or to schedule an initial complimentary consultation.
When it comes to repairing your smile, you really have two main choices: braces or Invisalign. This leads many people to wonder if there are significant differences between the two choices, especially in terms of how effective the treatments will be in fixing your teeth. Price may be a consideration, as well, although some people are willing to pay more if it means a better outcome. The primary goal, whether you want to fix your own teeth or give your child a straighter smile, is to choose the option that will have the longest lasting effect.
Braces vs. Invisalign: What Are They?
Either option is intended to improve your smile by straightening your teeth and helping you return to a better state of oral health. At this point, braces are often more popular among people, simply because they have been around longer. Invisalign was only introduced in 2000, so they’re still fairly new.
Most people have a pretty good idea about what getting braces entails. It’s a metal bracket, which is glued to your teeth. The braces are also tied together with small wires and rubber bands. Originally, braces were all the color of the metal, but technology has given us more options. Today, you can get braces that come in a color that matches tooth enamel, so they’re less noticeable. Other colors are also available for those interested in using their braces as a fashion accessory.
You won’t get those same choices with Invisalign, because this corrective device is intentionally designed to be unseen. The aligner trays that shift your teeth gently and gradually are made of a clear plastic, so it won’t be noticeable to others. The plastic is BPA-free, so it’s safe for long-term use. Impressions, along with X-rays and photos will help the dentist form aligner trays that precisely fit the patient’s mouth, so the device can be configured for the best results.
Treatment times also vary between the two products. Braces are worn 24 hours a day for a period of up to two years. Some patients may wear braces for a shorter time, while others may have to wear braces longer than the two years. It will depend on the specific circumstances of each case. Invisalign is also worn up to 24 hours a day, though some patients may be able to remove the device for two hours per day. Invisalign works faster, so it’s typically only necessary to wear them for six to 18 months. Again, this will depend on the specific condition of each patient’s oral health.
Maintenance also varies between the two products. Since braces aren’t removable, they must be brushed along with the patient’s teeth. A water pick can help get to hard to reach crevices. Typically, Invisalign comes with its own cleaning system. Conversely, the patient can also brush and rinse the aligner trays in lukewarm water.
Patients wearing braces must return to have them adjusted once per month. Invisalign patients have to change their aligner trays every two weeks and will need to schedule office visits every four to six weeks, until the aligner trays are no longer needed.
Braces: The Pros and Cons
Pros
- Predictable results since it doesn’t rely on the compliance of patients.
- They aren’t removable, so the temptation to stop wearing them is eliminated.
Cons
- Pain and sores may develop, as the brackets and wires cause tooth movement.
- Challenging hygiene may cause tooth discoloration
- Eating sticky or hard foods may not be possible.
- Braces are not recommended for individuals who play rough contact sports (In this case, mouthguards are highly recommended)
Invisalign: The Pros and Cons
Pros
- They are invisible and removable.
- There’s no concern for food getting caught in the device.
- There’s also no difficulty with eating.
- The device doesn’t cause discomfort or pain.
Cons
- There is a chance that patients will lose aligners
- The aligner must be removed to eat or drink, except in cases where the patient is drinking water.
- Treatment can be less than ideal if patient does not wear aligners as instructed.
- Invisalign is not recommended for patients who will not have the discipline to keep the trays in place for 22 hours per day.
Invisalign is not recommended for patients with bridgework, back tooth bite problems, or those who will not have the discipline to keep the trays in place for 22 hours per day. Additionally, those who need vertical tooth alignment or need to have their premolars or canines rotated should consider more traditional braces.
In some cases, Invisalign may be the more attractive option, but it’s not without its drawbacks. The ability to remove the trays at will can be as much of a curse as a blessing, particularly because the patient will have to remember to remove it before every meal. Additionally, the discomfort cause by tooth movement can make it tempting to not wear the device for prolonged periods. This can disrupt the process of correcting the teeth and lead to more expenses for the patient, or for parents of the patient.
When you’re trying to decide between braces and Invisalign, it’s important to weigh all of the factors carefully. A consultation with Austin Orthodontist, Dr. RJ Jackson will help you better understand the process for each method, so you can make a more informed decision. Since the goal is to only have to correct one’s teeth once, you want to make the choice that’s going to be the most effective for your unique circumstances.
Golden braces are in! They can add a set of sophistication and elegance to your smile while undergoing orthodontic treatment. If you choose to have gold braces, your stainless-steel braces will be covered with 24-karat gold. Many patients love this look. Since it can take almost two years before you can take them off, adding a nice touch of gold will keep your optimism high as you await the day you can take them off to show the world your perfect teeth.
An overview of gold braces
To begin the process of getting braces, you must schedule an initial consultation at RJ Orthodontics in Austin, TX. At this consultation, Dr. RJ Jackson will take measurements on your mouth. He will take x-rays and impressions to understand what state your mouth and teeth are in. At the end of your initial exam, Dr. RJ will craft a customized plan for you. He might suggest braces at this stage.
If Dr. RJ decides that braces are the right option for you, he will place small brackets on each of your teeth. Next, he will use wire and elastic rings to connect all of the brackets in your mouth together. This will result in him being able to form your teeth into the position you need for an ideal smile. After your braces have been placed, you will go back periodically to have your braces tightened or loosened. The goal is to correct the position of your teeth and to align the jaw.
Are the Braces really made out of gold?
You can’t actually get 100% gold braces. 24K gold is too soft to be able to straighten teeth. It would be almost like trying to pull together two heavy objects with a small piece of string. Additionally, it would be extremely expensive. The gold braces Dr. RJ offers is a strong metal that is coated with a layer of 24k gold. This will ensure that your braces will be strong enough to correct your teeth while giving you the appearance of having braces made out of gold. The metal will do the job while the gold will make it look amazing.
Gold Braces in Austin
One of the hardest parts for most patients will be finding an Austin Orthodontist that offers gold braces. While it is becoming popular, many doctors still cling to the tried and true silver braces. We invite you to request your complimentary initial exam with Dr. RJ. We will thoroughly evaluate a smile and let you know if you are a candidate for braces…gold braces!
When you’re a parent, you would like to think that it’s possible to just look at your child’s smile and be able to tell if there are any problems with their bite. Sometimes this is possible if your child’s orthodontic problem is obvious. Unfortunately, this is not always the case and many times you will need a trained specialist to find and fix any problems. This is one of the many reasons it is so important for children to receive exams from an orthodontist.
There are many possible problems that can happen at an early age and here are just a few:
- Tongue thrusting
- Clenching and grinding of the teeth
- Crossbites
- Improperly aligned jaw
- Crowded or misplaced teeth, in some cases teeth that have been completely blocked out
- Difficulties biting or chewing
- Sucking of the thumb
- Loss of baby teeth early or late
- Improper meeting of the upper and lower teeth
- Impacted teeth
- Severe crowding causing damage to the stripping of the gum tissue
The earlier these problems are caught, the better the treatment can be. If these problems are allowed to continue, the procedures to repair them can become much more complex, time-consuming, and costly. Early detection is just as important in orthodontics as it is with any health issue. The recommendation by the American Association of Orthodontics is that all children be evaluated by the age of 7 and no later. In fact, Austin Orthodontist, Dr. RJ recommends that you bring your child to see an orthodontist if there are any issues such as snoring that could indicate a problem with the airway as early as the age of 5. Sometimes, something as simple snoring can be an indicator of a bigger problem involving your child’s breathing. When you bring your child to an orthodontist early, you can address and fix these problems sooner. Fortunately, most children don’t even need early treatment until they are at least 9. A lot of things can go wrong with a smile even when a child is young, but even if there isn’t a problem, a visit for an evaluation at our office can provide you with peace of mind.
It is extremely important to find these problems as early as possible while they can be corrected with the most ease and not lead to further complications down the line. Early intervention methods usually involve devices like a jaw expander which are fairly simple. When orthodontic intervention is required early, there is a very good chance that your child will not need braces at this time. In fact, Dr. RJ usually only recommends “limited” braces under the rare circumstance that your child will see considerable benefits from it as opposed to other methods.
You do not need a referral from your dentist to be seen at RJ Orthodontics for a complimentary orthodontic evaluation! Contact our Steiner Ranch Orthodontic office to schedule a visit and to be proactive with your child’s orthodontic health. In the case that your child does not require interceptive treatment at an early age, Dr. RJ will monitor your child’s development as part of our supervisory program and figure out the optimal treatment program if a problem arises.
Please feel free to call our office or email us! We can help straighten out your orthodontic concerns!
Most people don’t have naturally straight teeth, so they look for help from an orthodontist or dentist. Straightening out your teeth can be a long, expensive process, and it’s not a decision to take lightly. You should choose your professionals carefully, and in most, if not all cases, it’s better to see an orthodontist than a dentist for straightening your teeth.
Orthodontists have more training.
Not all dentists are orthodontists, but all orthodontists are dentists. Orthodontists go through dental school before their orthodontic residency program, so they have the same training as dentists and more. The residency program usually takes two or three years to complete and gives them experience working on a variety of orthodontic cases.
Orthodontists specialize in straightening teeth.
Dentists provide many valuable services, but orthodontists specialize in straightening teeth. Braces or other teeth straightening services can cost thousands of dollars, so you should choose someone who specializes in that field.
Orthodontists are highly trained on issues with jaw alignment as well. For your teeth to straighten properly and stay in place, your jaw has to have the correct alignment. An orthodontist can determine if your jaw can support straightened teeth and will suggest the best treatment option based on the current state of your jaw and teeth.
Orthodontists are familiar with the newest technology.
Orthodontists are teeth-straightening specialists, so they stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and techniques. Every year, there are new strategies and inventions that make orthodontic work easier. You should see an Orthodontic specialist who will know the best treatment options for your specific case.
Orthodontists usually offer a wider variety of orthodontic services than dentists. For example, some dentists only offer Invisalign, which isn’t the right treatment for everyone. Your orthodontist will also be able to develop a treatment plan to keep your teeth straightened after your braces are removed. Keeping your teeth aligned is just as important as the initial treatment, and orthodontists know the best ways to accomplish that.
If you are interested in learning how Austin Orthodontist, Dr. RJ Jackson can help you achieve a new smile, give us a call to schedule an appointment. Initial consultation are always complimentary!
