Category: Braces

Today, adults wearing braces make up about half of all orthodontic patients in the United States. It is never too late for an adult to attain a healthier mouth, straighter teeth, and a perfect smile. Dr. Leroy Venn and the team at Atlanta Smile Studio are experts in adult orthodontic treatment near Hiram, GA.

There is a general misconception that braces are worn only by children and teenagers. But, orthodontic treatments with braces have evolved considerably in recent years. Braces have become more lightweight and easier to install and remove. At Atlanta Smile Studio, adults are choosing orthodontic treatments with braces more and more frequently.

Why Adult Braces?

Misaligned or crooked teeth (malocclusions) affect our appearance and our self-esteem, and poor dental and oral health care can be a contributing cause to a number of adult-related health care concerns.

Improperly aligned teeth can cause problems chewing food, which may lead to gastrointestinal complications. Misaligned teeth and crossbites can trap food and increase the likelihood of plaque buildup. These conditions increase the chances of an adult patient developing gum disease and other more serious health-related complications (tooth decay, toothaches, earaches, and headaches). A crooked-toothed smile may also cause problems with public speaking, cause self-image concerns, and even prevent professional growth and advancement.

Dr. Leroy Venn understands the reasons why an adult near Hiram, GA may need to wear braces, and he helps each patient attain their treatment-outcome goals with sensitivity and compassion.

What are the Different Types of Adult Braces?

The Atlanta Smile Studio team offers a wide range of orthodontic treatment options currently available for adults.

• Traditional Metal Braces: These are made of high-quality stainless steel, and many orthodontists feel that they are the most effective devices for straightening teeth, especially in cases where there may be severe misalignment. They often produce the desired treatment outcomes faster than any other type of braces.
• Clear Ceramic Braces: Clear ceramic braces for adults are fitted to the front of the teeth and match the color of the individual’s teeth. Many people who want their braces to be less conspicuous, for aesthetic or professional reasons prefer clear ceramic braces.
• Lingual or Concealed Braces: Lingual braces have brackets that keep them in place and are affixed to the back of the teeth. These braces are not outwardly visible.
• Invisalign a.k.a clear aligners: Clear, easily removed plastic tray aligners that are ideal for adult patients with mild teeth-spacing issues. The aligners are able to be removed while eating, when brushing teeth, and when flossing. This is a healthy and hygienic choice for adults considering braces near Hiram, GA. These braces are almost invisible and are preferred by people who feel self-conscious about appearing in public with braces on.

At Atlanta Smile Studio, Invisalign treatment is quickly gaining popularity and often a top choice for our adult patients.

If you have misaligned or crooked teeth, or just want to improve your smile, adult braces may be the right choice for you. Remember, there is no age limit for treatment for an existing orthodontic problem. The only way to find out what adult orthodontic treatment procedure is right for you is by scheduling a free consultation with Atlanta Smile Studio near Hiram, GA. Call Dr. Leroy Venn today at: 770.892.3833

Orthodontic treatment with braces can hurt occasionally, but most often, the “hurt” reported by a patient is more of a “discomfort.” The best way to avoid and reduce any possible pain or discomfort that may be associated with braces is to keep a conscientious care schedule. Dr. Leroy Venn of Atlanta Smile Studio knows that a patient who is consistently experiencing pain or discomfort associated with their braces in Cobb County, GA should be examined for any problems with their orthodontic appliances.

Why do braces hurt?

The mouth is a very sensitive part of the body. Adding new brackets, wires, and other appliances to the teeth may cause an orthodontic patient some occasional pain or discomfort. But most people don’t understand or even care why they are in pain. Pain from orthodontic treatments with braces may be cause by a variety of factors:

• Irritation inside the mouth: Your mouth will need a few days to adjust once your new braces have been fitted and your teeth and gums are interacting with your appliances for the first time. These new additions to your teeth require your mouth to get comfortable with their presence. However, once the two are comfortable, the irritation will ease over time.

• Broken bracket: Your braces are constantly working. Because of this, there is always a possibility that something can break. Broken brackets should be expected, and they happen to almost everyone at least once during treatment. This can cause some pain and irritation because the broken bracket may poke at or tear the delicate surfaces in the mouth (especially if you have traditional metal braces). If this occurs, make an appointment with Dr. Leroy Venn and Atlanta Smile Studio as soon as possible to fix the problem and make sure no further problems or pain occurs.

• Shifting of teeth: Braces shift your teeth to give you the healthy, picture-perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of. It’s important to know that the shifting of the teeth is what causes the most pain when it comes to braces. When your braces are tightened, they are working harder to align your teeth and essentially changing your teeth’s position in your mouth.

How do I keep my braces from hurting me?

To help you avoid minor pain or discomfort during your course of treatment with braces:

• Avoid hard foods. Dr. Leroy Venn says that hard foods should be avoided, especially after an adjustment appointment. The extra effort to chew these foods may cause or exacerbate any discomfort the patient may already feel. When your braces hurt, stick to soft foods such as pasta, mashed potatoes, yogurt, bananas, etc.
• Take over-the-counter or doctor-prescribed medication. When your teeth are hurting because of braces, Dr. Leroy Venn recommends taking an over-the-counter medicine that to lessen any pain. Medicines such as Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve can help ease the pain until your teeth and gums get used to their new positioning.

Braces may hurt, at least initially, because of how they work inside the mouth. The result of orthodontic treatment with braces, however, is a mouth of straight, functional, and healthy teeth and gums.

For more information about why braces hurt during treatment or to make an appointment with Dr. Leroy Venn and Atlanta Smile Studio in Cobb County, GA, call: 770.892.3833

Many orthodontics patients with braces are unsure of what foods are restricted in their diets. Many also believe the list of foods to avoid is longer than it actually is. Dr. Leroy Venn of Atlanta Smile Studio shares some ideas about what foods are safely enjoyed and which foods are best to avoid eating while wearing braces or during orthodontic treatment in Powder Springs, GA.

It is true that during your treatment with braces there are limitations on what you can eat. But the time (and money) invested with braces is well worth coping with these limitations.The payoff is a perfectly straight, healthy, and attractive smile.

What foods can be enjoyed during your treatment?

There are many delicious food options that can be eaten while wearing braces in Powder Springs, GA including:

• Bananas

• Yogurt

• Soup

• Cheese

• Pasta

• Mashed Potatoes

Dr. Leroy Venn wants to make sure that every patient with braces eats healthy food and gets enough daily nutrients. Here are some meal ideas that are safe for patients who are wearing braces. Perhaps there is a family favorite among some of these delicious meal options:

• Lasagna. Lasagna is a great dinner because it provides many food groups in one dish, is tasty, and is soft on your braces.
• Grilled Chicken and Vegetables. While meat from a bone can cause damage to your braces, deboned meats like chicken breast can be eaten. Chicken pairs nicely with vegetables like broccoli.
• Chicken Noodle Soup. Chicken noodle soup gives you many necessary nutrients because of the variety of ingredients that can be added. Soup is also a filling and tasty meal and will not damage your braces.

What foods should be avoided?

While wearing braces, the three types of food that should be avoided are hard, sticky, and chewy foods. These types of food should be avoided because they can get stuck in your braces easily and be difficult and sometimes painful to get out. Some food categories that should be avoided are:

• Gum

• Popcorn

• Ice

• Caramel

• Pretzels

• Raw vegetables

• Steak

• Hard candies

Some of these foods do not have to be completely avoided, however. Foods like vegetables, steak, and pretzels can be broken or cut up into smaller pieces and then eaten safely.

There are many foods which are nutritious, delicious, and are friendly to your braces. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leroy Venn and Atlanta Smile Studio in Powder Springs, GA, or for more information, please call: 770.892.3833