Causes of Gap Teeth

Of all the cosmetic issues people have with their teeth, a gap-toothed grin is one of the most common. Regardless of whether it’s causing a patient to whistle unintentionally or just looks awkward, we at Downtown Dental in Chicago can help fix it, but it will help if we know what’s causing it.

The Invisalign series of invisible aligners is ideal for cosmetic orthodontic work. If the teeth are somewhat jumbled but there are no major rearrangements or reshaping of the maxillary bone to be done, our Invisalign providers can bring teeth together, closing the gap. If there’s hardly any misalignment at all, veneers could be used to fill in the space.

However, if the gap accompanied an overbite that formed in response to patient behavior, the behavior must be stopped for treatment to work. Some people push their tongues against their teeth when they swallow. This problem requires attention from an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Other people suck their thumbs, which could be a psychological issue. Sometimes, a gap between the top front teeth is caused by the labial frenum, which is the vertical strip of tissue that connects the lip to the skull. In these cases, the frenum is surgically reduced in size.

Downtown Dental LLC operates at 25 E Washington St, Suite 1921, Chicago, Illinois, 60602. To schedule an appointment, call 312-782-8862 or visit Downtown-Dental.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Braces Pain

The doctors at Downtown Dental have seen smiles transformed by braces.  Braces are a powerful straightening method, but they are also a long process with some pain along the way.  Patients with braces often feel a little discomfort after their wires have been tightened, and patients with new braces usually experience some uncomfortable chafing as their mouth gets used to braces.  These are both normal occurrences and you can ease the pain while getting to your perfect smile!  

With a new set of braces, the insides of cheeks and lips will rub against the brackets and wires.  The soft tissue will toughen as your mouth gets accustomed to the braces, but at first it can create sore spots.  Dental wax is a great defense against this.  Just a small piece can cover the edge of a bracket and relieve any chafing.  After a set of braces is tightened a patient will also feel some pain and soreness.  The patient should eat soft foods right after a tightening if they are experiencing discomfort.  If the pain continues, over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil and Motrin are helpful.  Please still contact the office if you experience any extreme or long-lasting discomfort.

To learn more about the services we provide, visit downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862.

Traditional Braces

Though traditional braces may not be the most aesthetically pleasing orthodontic option, they are one of the fastest ways to straighten your teeth. Traditional braces also treat a variety of malocclusion cases, from overbites to underbites, to overcrowding. If you would like to discuss the benefits of traditional braces, our doctors of Downtown Dental LLC are here to answer all of your questions.

Traditional braces have improved over the years and are much more lightweight than the orthodontics your parents might’ve worn. Traditional braces are made from high-grade stainless steel and are permanently attached to the teeth until treatment is complete. One benefit of them being unmovable is that they are straightening your teeth at all times which means there is no excuse for not following directions are doctors may give you. Additionally, we offer a variety of color options for both the bands and the elastics, so that patients may express themselves however they’d like.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic options, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

Invisalign

Do you desire a straighter smile but are putting off the decision because you don’t want to have a mouth full of metal? Well, wait no longer. As a certified Invisalign Provider, our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC can help patients straighten their teeth discreetly, using a series of removable plastic aligners. Designed for both teens and adults, Invisalign clear aligners can not only transform your smile, it can provide you with benefits that traditional braces may not.

With Invisalign, there are no brackets and no wires which mean that there are very few food restrictions to the patient. Additionally, because the trays are removable, you will be allowed to brush and floss like you usually do. After scheduling a consultation with one of our doctors, you will be given a series of Invisalign aligners that are custom-made for your mouth and your mouth only. Each aligner makes slight adjustments to a tooth’s position, a process that is mapped out in advance. After approximately two weeks, after wearing your aligners for the recommended 22 hours daily, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which continues the teeth straightening process. Duration of treatment will depend on the patient, but if you think Invisalign may be the right choice for you, schedule a consultation today.

If you have questions regarding Invisalign or other orthodontic options we offer, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

How to Clean Braces

You just got your braces, and you’ve been told not to eat popcorn or sticky candy for two years. You were very careful for the past year but you still managed to get food caught in the wires. What do you do? Dr. Viren Patel of Downtown Dental shares tips on how to clean your braces if you are caught in this scenario.

You will want to take any debris out with floss or a toothbrush. Make sure you are using proper brushing and flossing techniques specialized for braces.  Here are some tips on how to brush with braces.

• Hold the brush sideways and guide your brush from tooth to tooth. Follow the natural shape of your teeth and gums.
• If you are brushing manually, make sure to brush for at least a few seconds before you move on to the next tooth. If you are using an electric toothbrush you don’t have to brush hard.
• Clean the brackets by getting the brush inside of them and clean under the wires.
• Remember to always change your toothbrush every 3-4 months.

If you have questions about braces or dental health and oral care, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Viren Patel of Downtown Dental in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862.