Patient Info
Orthodontics Overview
What a difference straight teeth can make! A great-looking smile can boost your self-confidence and have a positive impact on social and professional opportunities. Orthodontic treatment is the original smile makeover tool — and you will be happy to know that you're never too old to take advantage of it. But it isn't all about looks: Properly aligned teeth help you to bite, chew and even speak more effectively. They are also easier to clean, which helps keep your mouth free of tooth decay and gum disease.
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When to See an Orthodontist
If you've been thinking about orthodontic treatment for yourself or someone you care about, you may be wondering: When is the right time to see an orthodontist? It's an excellent question, and there are several ways to answer it.
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First Visit
At the first visit to the orthodontist the patient will be seen by the treatment coordinator for an initial exam and review of your medical and dental history. Dr. Toombs will then examine the patient and discuss preliminary treatment plans.
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FAQ
Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose and treat problems with the position, alignment or spacing of the teeth, and related irregularities in the face and the jaw. We use a number of special treatments, including braces and other oral appliances, to correct these problems.
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Office Tour
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New Patients
You may access the following forms to assist us with your care. Please complete the following forms, and click the "Submit" button at the bottom of each form.
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Common Problems
When a person's teeth or jaws do not fit together properly, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct the problem. If left untreated, these orthodontic problems, often referred to as malocclusions, can cause speech difficulty, premature wear of the teeth and protective enamel, and even increase the chance of injury to the teeth and jaw joints.
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Emergencies
Orthodontic treatment may take a little getting used to. It isn't uncommon to experience a bit of soreness when appliances are placed or some soreness as teeth begin moving into new positions. Yet it's comforting to know that genuine orthodontic emergencies are rare. Please call our office to discuss your concerns. That's what we're here for.
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Oral Hygiene
You already know that maintaining good oral hygiene is important for everyone — but when you're having orthodontic treatment, it's even more critical. Why? Because, while the appliances (such as braces or clear aligners) you may need to wear during treatment are very effective in correcting misaligned teeth, they can also trap food particles easily.
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Brushing and Flossing
You know how important it is to brush and floss properly when you're wearing braces — but what's the best way to do that? Let's start with the basic brushing tools: Either a soft-bristled brush or a bi-level brush (one that has shorter bristles in the middle and longer bristles at the edges) can be effective. Used carefully, an electric toothbrush can work just as well. But be sure the electric brush is set to a moderate power level, and don't let its vibrations cause the back of the brush to hit the braces!
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Foods to Avoid
While you are wearing braces, please avoid eating hard foods, sticky foods, and foods high in sugar. Hard foods can break or damage the wires and brackets, and sticky foods can get caught between the wires and brackets. Minimize the number of sugary foods you eat; the sugar can cause tooth decay and other related problems.
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