Prevent Enamel Erosion While in Braces

McClellan Orthodontics

Braces are a spectacular tool for straightening smiles and correcting jaw problems that impact self-confidence and overall oral wellness. Your wires and brackets are fundamental to the treatment process, but they also can make it difficult to remove food particles that get stuck under and between your brackets and wires. Unfortunately, if this food is left to fester, the acidic content of the food can eat away at your tooth’s vital tooth enamel.

If you have braces, your teeth and gums can be prone to many dental issues. One of those issues is enamel erosion. Enamel erosion occurs when acid attacks the teeth and wears down the enamel. This can make your teeth vulnerable to tooth fractures and cavities. To help you prevent enamel erosion while in braces treatment, Dr. McClellan encourages you to do the following:

Avoid Acidic Foods and Beverages: Consuming acidic products can expose your teeth to the acid that can harm them. So, it’s best to avoid consuming acidic foods and drinks as much as possible.

Wait to Brush Your Teeth: If you do happen to consume an acidic food or drink, please wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. Your enamel is extremely vulnerable immediately after eating acidic foods and the bristles of your toothbrush can worsen the damage.

Use Fluoride: Fluoride can strengthen your tooth enamel and help you avoid enamel erosion. So, make sure to expose your teeth to fluoride regularly. You can do so by using fluoride toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash, drinking fluoridated water, and receiving a professional fluoride treatment.

There are many oral health problems that can happen with braces if you are not focused on your orthodontic care and brushing/flossing of your teeth. Your diet can damage your teeth during your orthodontic treatment, which is why we want you to avoid certain foods and drinks. Overly acidic or sugary foods and drinks can lead to tooth decay and acid erosion that harms your tooth enamel. If you would like to learn more about how you prevent enamel erosion while wearing braces, the friendly staff at McClellan Orthodontics are available to train you in methods for keeping your teeth clean and strong.

 

Affordable Orthodontic Treatment

McClellan Orthodontics

For many adults and teens, crooked or imperfect teeth can have a negative impact on their self-confidence. If you are embarrassed by your smile, chances are the people around you are missing out on how approachable and confident you really are. By fixing your smile, you can boost your self-esteem and be more open and engaged with the people around you.

At McClellan Orthodontics, we practice the most innovative orthodontic care with amazing results. We make the process of getting straight teeth as quick, comfortable, and affordable as possible. Our orthodontic services include:

Traditional Braces - Metal braces are the most common option for a variety of reasons, including durability and cost. While they have been around for decades, constant innovation means that metal braces are more advanced than ever before.

Ceramic Braces - Ceramic braces are a popular choice among many patients because they are less visible due to their clear color. If you want spectacular results without the aesthetic concerns caused by metal braces, ceramic braces may be a great option for you.

Invisalign - This popular orthodontic treatment uses a series of clear aligners that change the position of your teeth through steady pressure. The aligners are clear and difficult to detect during wear, perfect for adults and teens who want a subtle treatment solution.

The team at McClellan Orthodontics knows that people have finite budgets and juggling expenses is an unpleasant fact of life. That said, our office is accustomed to working with families and individuals to make orthodontic care affordable and budget friendly.

In an effort to keep orthodontic fees down while maintaining the highest level of professional care, we have established the following financial policies:

• If full payment is made at the onset of treatment, we will offer a fee discount. (If you have insurance, we will offer a discount for payment of your portion of the fee that will not be covered by insurance.)
• To fit your individual needs, financial arrangements can be made to extend your payments over a period of months.
• We offer a unique program where we create a payment slider. YOU pick the down payment and YOU pick how many payments you would like to make, interest-free of course!
• For your convenience, we accept payment by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
• If you have insurance, we will help you to determine the coverage you have available and will file your claim for you.

Though orthodontics can come with a higher price tag, you do have many options to help you pay for your or your child’s orthodontic care. Start by having a conversation with Dr. McClellan today!