ORTHODONTIST IN GERMANTOWN, MD

The orthodontists at Total Dental Care provides orthodontic treatment in Germantown. Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on improving the bite and straightening teeth for better aesthetics and function. Our comprehensive dental practice offers a full range of orthodontic services to our patients, including:

Metal Braces

Metal braces are a cost-effective orthodontic solution and today’s metal braces are better than ever, with lower profile brackets and advanced archwires that move teeth quickly and predictably.

Learn More About Metal Braces

Clear Brackets

Clear braces combine the best features of invisible aligners and metal braces. Tieless brackets and advanced archwires deliver superior results, while the tooth-colored ceramic brackets are discreet and comfortable.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces do not require metal ties or elastics to secure the archwires in place. This means self-ligating braces are smaller and easier to clean. It also means that you’ll need less time in the dentist’s chair and your overall treatment time may be shorter too.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are placed on the backs of the teeth, making them an ideal solution for professionals and anyone else who needs orthodontic treatment, but shies away from traditional metal braces.

Invisalign®

Invisalign is an advanced orthodontic system that uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gradually shift your teeth over time. They’re comfortable, convenient, and virtually invisible.

Learn more about Invisalign

Palatal Expander Device (PED)

Palatal expander devices, or PEDs, are often used as part of an interceptive orthodontics treatment plan. They address crowding and other issues by expanding the upper jaw to facilitate better tooth alignment and bite.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES IN GERMANTOWN, MD

Retainers

Surgical Orthodontics

Craniofacial Orthodontics

Braces Care

Having braces should not cause any major changes in your day-to-day activities. You can still dine out, sing, play a musical instrument, or have pictures taken. With proper care and maintenance, you can promote your oral health while on your way to a more beautiful smile.

During Treatment

Having braces should not cause any major changes in your day-to-day activities. You can still dine out, sing, play a musical instrument, or have pictures taken. With proper care and maintenance, you can promote your oral health while on your way to a more beautiful smile. If you play a wind instrument, several companies make mouth guards and lip protectors, although you may not need them. For certain sports it is a good idea to wear a mouth guard. Ask us about recommendations based on your specific needs when you come in for your next appointment. When making your dining choice, choose softer foods and avoid foods that are particularly hard, chewy, crunchy or sticky. Cut or tear pizza and sandwiches before eating them rather than trying to bite through them. Chopping up items like apples or carrots before eating them is a good idea. When your braces are adjusted, your teeth may be a little more sensitive, so choosing softer food like pasta, soups or a healthy smoothie can be a good choice. Please avoid chewing gum and chewing on ice.

Brushing

Carefully follow all instructions you are given regarding your dental care. Specific steps may vary depending on the type of braces you have. Be sure to brush thoroughly after any meal or snack . It is important to keep your teeth and braces as clean as possible to avoid potential problems. Also, rinse with water or mouthwash after brushing. It’s a good idea to carry a travel toothbrush when you will be away from home. Before going to bed at night be sure to brush thoroughly and floss carefully. It may take a little extra time but this is an important step in maintaining your oral hygiene on your way to a better smile and healthier teeth. Use a soft rounded-bristle toothbrush that is in good condition. Toothbrushes will wear out faster and need to be replaced more often when wearing braces, so be sure to keep some spare toothbrushes on hand. When brushing you should also brush your tongue and rinse thoroughly when done.

Flossing

Flossing is an important part of good oral hygiene. With braces it may take a little more time and practice, and a floss threader may be necessary to get the floss under the archwire. Make sure you clean along and under the gum lines with floss each night before going to bed. After you have properly brushed and flossed, your braces should look clean and shiny, making it easy to see the edges of the braces.

Cleaning Your Removeable Appliance

Invisalign Instructions

Do

Use your fingers to put your aligners place. First place the aligners over your front teeth, and then use your fingers to push the aligner down gently over your molars. Aligners will fit tightly at first but should fit well at the end of the two week period.
Keep aligners in except when flossing, brushing, eating. It’s also best to remove the aligners when drinking warm beverages such as coffee or tea.
Remove the aligner by pulling it off both sides of your back teeth simultaneously then lifting it off of your front teeth.
Place your aligners in the case we provided any time they are not being worn.
Clean aligners with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Wear each set of aligners for two weeks unless our office directs you to vary from this schedule.
Wear aligners in the correct numerical order. (Each aligner is labeled by number and with a U or an L to designate upper or lower.)
Keep all of your old aligners and bring them to your orthodontic appointments.

Don’t

Don’t place your aligners in or on a napkin or tissue. Many aligners have accidentally been thrown out this way!
Don’t use your teeth to “bite” your aligners into place.
If you have pets, don’t place your aligners anywhere that your pets can reach them. Pets are attracted to saliva and would enjoy chewing on your Invisalign trays!
Do not use Denture cleaner, alcohol, or bleach to clean your aligners.
Do not use boiling water or warm water on your aligners.
Don’t chew gum with your aligners in.
It would be best not to smoke while wearing aligners. The smoke can stain the aligners as well as your teeth.

Just in Case If you lose the tab attached to your tooth that helps the aligner snap on, please call our office right away so that we can determine if you need to come in before your next scheduled appointment. If you lose one of your aligner trays, please wear the next tray if you have it. If you do not have the next tray, please wear the previous tray. It is extremely important to use a tray to keep teeth from shifting. Call our office to let us know which tray was lost so that we can determine if a replacement tray is needed. There will be a fee if replacement trays are required.

Dental Wax

Preventing Sports Injuries

Useful Items for Orthodontic Patients

Keep these materials on hand to help with the most common orthodontic maintenance and minor emergencies: Interdental or Proxabrushes fit between teeth and help patients to clean around wires without damaging them. Non-medicated orthodontic relief wax can be placed over brackets or wires that may be irritating gum tissues. Antibacterial Mouthwash can be used to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. For minor sores in the mouth, Peroxyl, an antiseptic rinse containing hydrogen peroxide may be used up to 4 times per day after brushing. Refer to the product label for specific instructions. Dental floss, an interproximal brush or a toothpick can be used for removing food that gets caught between teeth or wires. Sterile tweezers can be used to replace orthodontic rubber bands that have come off. A Q-tip or pencil eraser can be used to push a wire up against a tooth if it has come loose and is irritating the cheeks or gums. If it is not possible to reposition the wire so it is more comfortable, place wax over the end of the wire and call our office so that we can set a time to have the wire adjusted and put back into place. Salt is used for warm salt-water rinses, which help heal sore gums and tissues in the mouth. Non-prescription pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help with the temporary discomfort that sometimes occurs for the first day or two after an orthodontic adjustment. Topical Anesthetic Treatments, such as Orabase or Ora-Gel, can be applied with with a Q-tip to any abrasions or sores in the mouth should they occur.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics

What is a good age to get braces?

Current best practices involve two-phase orthodontic treatment. The first step, interceptive orthodontics, can begin as early as age 5 and typically involves habit appliances, space maintainers, or palatal expander devices. The second phase, which involves the placement of braces, can begin anywhere between the ages of 10 and 14.

Do clear braces cost more?

Yes, clear braces do cost more. If your dental insurance covers the cost of orthodontia, it will likely cover at least part of the cost of clear braces; you will need to pay the rest out-of-pocket. Some patients choose to get clear braces on their top teeth only, with metal on the bottom, to reduce the costs involved.

How long do self-ligating braces take?

Every patient is different and the length of treatment time depends on the extent of work needed. That said, treatment time can be up to six months shorter with self-ligating braces vs. traditional metal braces.

Do lingual braces take longer?

Lingual braces may have a longer treatment time than traditional metal braces, but not always—it depends on your individual circumstances. Even with a potentially longer treatment time, many patients feel that the trade-off is worth it.

Which is better, braces or Invisalign?

The answer to this question depends on your unique orthodontic needs and your lifestyle. For some complex orthodontic issues, braces can produce better results. Some patients prefer having braces affixed to their teeth, working 24/7, while others like the convenience of being able to remove their aligners. Invisalign aligners are more comfortable than braces and can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, and many patients appreciate having the ability to straighten their teeth discreetly.

Contact us at 240-813-9111 to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist in Germantown, MD.

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