Myth Busters

A beautiful smile can be something very important for some people. With the progress of the technology, braces have become more common than ever. With the introduction of clear, colored and behind the teeth treatments, there is no better time to visit an orthodontist. Many people have opinions about orthodontists based on false information, and we’re here to myth bust! 

Here are the top 5 myths about orthodontics.

Myth #1 – I’m too old for orthodontics
A nice smile is important no matter what your age is. It’s never too late to perfect your smile so there is no age limit for orthodontic treatment! If you have any issues with your teeth or would like a straighter looking smile, never hesitate to reach for what you want!

Myth #2 – Orthodontics treatments take too long
Our treatments average out to 1 year. The amount of time depends on your age, your problem and the treatment technique that need to be used for you. Many other factors can also influence the time of your treatment but remember that the time can often be reduced with excellent patient cooperation. In the cases where treatment requires a few years, remember that it’s a short amount of time compared to a lifetime of beautiful looking teeth.

Myth #3 – Orthodontics can be painful
There is a big difference between discomfort and pain. Orthodontics has come a long way to minimize patient discomfort and it’s normal to feel discomfort during the first days. After a few days, the discomfort is short-lived after each adjustment appointment. Another thing to look out for with braces is discomfort due to the metal aspects of the braces. This can be greatly reduced with oral wax.

Myth #4 – A general dentist can do the same things than an orthodontist
Your family dentist is really good at what he’s doing but remember that an orthodontist has 2 or 3 years minimum of specialized training beyond dental school. An orthodontist specializes in straightening teeth and insuring proper form and function of the mouth.

Our orthodontics specialist is Dr. Beisiegel, he has been practicing in northern Vermont and surrounding areas since 1996. 

Myth #5 – Traditional, metal braces are the only option.
Advances in orthodontic technology have rendered improved braces and other orthodontic appliances that are much less noticeable than the braces of yesteryear. At Beisiegel Orthodontics, we offer traditional metal braces, self-ligating metal braces, ceramic braces and invisible braces.

Learn More About Tongue Thrusting

Tongue thrusting is defined as the habit of placing the tongue in the wrong position during swallowing, either too far forward or to the sides. It is estimated that every 24 hours, you swallow a total of 1,200 to 2,000 times, with about four pounds of pressure per swallow.  Tongue thrusting occurs when the patient presses his or her tongue against the front teeth, usually when swallowing, speaking or resting the tongue. If thrusting is constant, this can cause problems with teeth alignment and must be fixed.

Lucky for you, Beisiegel Orthodontics can assist patients with this problem by correcting it usually with a tongue thrusting appliance. Keep reading to learn a little more about the different types of tongue thrusting that occur in our patients.

Different types of tongue thrusting:

There are several variations of tongue-thrust and related orthodontic problems:

1. Anterior open bite — This is the most typical and common form of tongue thrust. In such cases, the lips do not close properly, and a child often has an open mouth and tongue protruding beyond the lips. Generally, this type of tongue thrust is accompanied by a large tongue.
2. Anterior thrust — The lower lip pulls in the lower incisors and the upper incisors are extremely protruded. The anterior thrust is frequently accompanied by a strong muscle of the chin (mentalis).
3. Unilateral thrust — The bite is typically open on either side.
4. Bilateral thrust — Posterior teeth from the first bicuspid through back molars can be open on both sides and the anterior bite is closed. The bilateral thrust is the most difficult to correct.
5. Bilateral anterior open bite — The only teeth that touch are the molars. The bite is completely open on both sides, including the front teeth. A large tongue is often noted.
6. Closed bite thrust — Both the upper and lower teeth are spread apart and flared out. The closed-bite thrust is typically a double protrusion.

We prefer to correct tongue thrusting by giving patients a tongue thrusting appliance. This appliance, similar to a mouth guard, is usually worn at night. Other times, a more permanent appliance is prescribed and can be only be adjusted by the Beisiegel Orthodontics office.

Do you want more information on this? Contact us today at 802-658-4447.