Types of orthodontic treatment

-Braces: Metal or ceramic brackets are bonded to the front of teeth. Wires and elastics are attached to the brackets to straighten teeth.

- Invisalign®: Advanced 3D computer images of the patients’ mouth are used to create clear, custom aligners that slowly move teeth. They are nearly invisible and are more comfortable than traditional braces. They are also removable, which makes it possible to continue with normal brushing and flossing.

- Retainers: A retainer is a removable piece worn inside the mouth that uses pressure to force teeth to move into proper alignment. They are used after braces are removed.

Length of orthodontic treatment:
Treatment typically ranges from 12 – 36 months. Factors include the age, cooperation level, and growth occurrence of the patient. The complexity of the case also impacts the treatment time.

Elements of Braces :)

When coming to our office to have braces put on, you may find yourself feeling a bit intimated and nervous about the experience. We hope to help you feel more at ease by explaining exactly what the different parts of braces are, and what they do.
Parts of Braces
Elastic Tie — This is a very small rubber band, and it holds the archwire in place.
Archwire — This is the main part of the braces. It is a wire guide that tracks the teeth. The wire may be moved from time to time during treatment to continue straightening a patient’s teeth.
Loop in Archwire — This is not in all braces. If it is used, it is to close a gap left from a tooth extraction.
Bracket — This piece of equipment holds the archwire in place. Formerly, many patients used colored rubber bands to keep the brackets in place, but now since most brackets are cemented on, this is no longer necessary.
Headgear Tube — This is a hollow area near the back bands, which allows the headgear to fit into the braces. This is only used on patients who require headgear.
Coil Spring — If needed, this would fit between a bracket and the main archwire. Its purpose is to open up the space between the teeth. This is not necessarily used on all patients.
Tie Wire — This is another piece of equipment that is used to keep the archwire in place. It is a thin wire that wraps around the bracket.
Band — This is a metal band that fits completely around a tooth. It is used to help adhere brackets to the tooth.
Hook — This is the piece of equipment that is used to attach the elastics, also known as rubber bands, around the bracket.
Elastic — These elastics are used to connect one point of the appliance to another. The purpose is to apply pressure, and encourage the teeth to move into the proper positioning.
This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.
Remember, after alleviating your discomfort, it is still very important that you call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem.

By defining each appliance we hope you or your child will be less apprehensive about getting braces put on. At the end of your treatment, you will have a bright, straight smile to show off to all of your friends.

Orthodontic Emergency? We can help!

True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can’t take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment with our office.
You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you get in to see us…
The following solutions may help you relieve your discomfort:
Poking Wire: Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort.
Loose Bracket or Band: If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.
Loose Wire: Using a tweezers, try to place your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax does not help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.
Loose Appliance: If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part of your appliance.
Headgear Does Not Fit: Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, headgear becomes more comfortable the more it’s worn, so be sure you’re getting in the prescribed hours.
General Soreness: When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days.

What are the Early Signs of Orthodontic Problems?

Visibly crooked teeth are not the only reason to take your child into the orthodontist. There are some subtle things to look for as well, which may indicate the onset of more serious orthodontic issues. Many orthodontic issues are much easier to address if treated and corrected during a child’s development.
Waiting until facial development is complete or until the permanent teeth have come in can make correction of many orthodontic issues more challenging. Both children and adults can benefit from orthodontic care at any age, but addressing issues early is almost always the ideal choice.

If you’re wondering if you or your child might have need for orthodontic care, there are some things you can be on the lookout for. Here are some of the most common warning signs of orthodontic issues:
• Difficulty when chewing or biting
• Chronic mouth-breathing
• Sucking the thumb, the fingers, or any other oral sucking habits that continue after the age of six
• Overbite – when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth by more than 5mm
• Top front teeth that cover more than 25% of the bottom teeth while biting
• Underbite – when the top front teeth go behind the bottom row of teeth when biting
• Crowded, crooked, overlapped, misshapen, misplaced teeth or extra teeth of any size
• Crossbite – when one or more teeth tilt toward the cheek or toward the tongue causing excessive stress on the jawbone
• The center of the top and bottom teeth don’t line up
• Uneven teeth-wearing
• Baby teeth coming out too early for the child’s age
• Pain in jaws
• Clicking in the jaw joints
• The jaw shifts off-center while chewing or biting
• A jaw that protrudes, or recedes, too much
• Difficulty speaking or enunciating clearly
• Chronic biting of the inner cheek or roof of the mouth
• Asymmetrical facial structure
• Grinding or clenching of the teeth
If you notice that either you or your child has one or more of these conditions, they could be signs that there is a risk of orthodontic or health problems. The sooner these problems are addressed, the wider and brighter you will be able to smile going forward!

Smile :)

Fairbanks AK, orthodontist Dr.Christophher Henry wants to clear up a widely held misconception: that straight teeth are purely a cosmetic benefit. In truth, the benefits of straight teeth go well beyond a more attractive smile and improved self-confidence.
Straight teeth are easier to clean, and cleaner, healthier teeth and gums ward off tooth decay as well as gum disease—both of which lead to tooth loss. People whose teeth don’t align properly don’t chew properly and therefore wear down their teeth at an accelerated rate. This rapid wear will lead to exponentially higher dental bills that will continue into retirement years. In extreme cases, chronic headaches or facial pain can be a very real result from an improper bite. Misaligned teeth also can affect a person’s speech, creating social and emotional challenges.
Poor oral health can threaten physical health. The same bacteria that forms between crooked teeth, causing tooth decay and gum disease, also can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Although wanting a beautiful smile is certainly a great reason to get braces or Invisalign®, teeth straightening has many other very important, far-reaching payoffs.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, celebrated by Dr. Christopher Henry and Staff!

Halloween can be a scary time for teeth. Henry's Orthodontics offer these tips to keep teeth safe from decay, and protect braces, clear aligners and other orthodontic “appliances” during the Halloween season:

Avoid sticky situations with your braces.
Stay away from hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy candy and snacks. These include hard or chewy candies, caramel, licorice, taffy, bubblegum (even the sugarless kind) and jelly beans.
Also steer away from nuts, taco chips and popcorn (especially unpopped kernels).

Good alternatives include soft chocolates, peanut butter cups or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties. If you consume sweets, do so in moderation. Avoid the temptation to grab another handful from the bowl filled with treats. Parents may want to limit the time during which children can eat from the Halloween candy bowl, whether they are in orthodontic treatment or not. Brushing and flossing are more important than ever during the Halloween season, when teeth may receive more exposure to sweets that can cause cavities. Orthodontic patients should be especially conscientious about brushing and flossing after consuming sugary or starchy foods.

Brownie Recipe to try with your new braces :)

After all the work and expense of braces, the food cravings seem to kick in!  Fudge brownies are generally a big ‘no no’ for those with braces. Dr. Christopher Orthodontics, would like you to know that you don’t have to forgo those chocolate food cravings. This fudge brownie recipe is not only delicious but healthy to your new orthodontic work.
•             1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon stick margarine
•             1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
•             2/3 cup Dutch process or unsweetened cocoa
•             1 1/2 cups sugar
•             3 large egg whites, lightly beaten
•             I large egg, lightly beaten
•             I cup all-purpose flour
•             1/2 teaspoon baking powder
•             Vegetable cooking spray
Optional: Mini M&M’s; flavored baking chips; or coconut to mix in before Step #3.
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Melt margarine and chocolate in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in cocoa: cook 1 minute.  Stir in sugar, and cook 1 minute (mixture will almost form a ball and be difficult to stir).  Remove pan from heat; cool slightly.
Combine egg whites and egg. Gradually add warm chocolate mixture to egg mixture, stirring with a whisk until well blended. Combine flour and baking powder; add flour mixture to chocolate mixture, stirring well.
3. Spoon batter into a 9-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes.  Be careful to not over bake. Cool on a wire rack.