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Dentist in Orlando, FL
Marcia Martinez, D.M.D.
5180 Curry Ford Road
Orlando, FL 32812
(407) 273-6620
Dentist in Orlando, FL Call For Pricing Options!
 

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Posts for tag: braces

By Marcia Martinez, D.M.D.
March 24, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: braces   tooth extraction  
ExtractingCertainTeethcanBoostOrthodonticEffectiveness

We treat most malocclusions (bad bites) with braces or clear aligners. But not all malocclusions are alike — some can require extra procedures to achieve successful results.

One such example is when incoming teeth crowd other teeth and cause them to erupt abnormally. The crowding also reduces the space needed to move the misaligned teeth to better positions. To make more room we'll often remove some of the teeth before undertaking orthodontics.

The key is to extract the right teeth. The best candidates are those whose absence will have minimal effect on both appearance and dental function. That's commonly the bicuspids, located right on the edge of the “smile zone” (the teeth most visible when we smile) between the cuspid (eye) teeth and the back molars.

Once we choose and remove the teeth our next concern is to protect the bone at the extraction site. The bone in our jaws benefits from the pressure created when we bite or chew. This stimulates new bone cells to form and replace older cells. Without it, as when we have a missing tooth, the amount of bone can diminish over time and affect the success of any future orthodontics.

To prevent this, we take care not to damage the gums and bone removing the tooth. We may also install a graft under the empty socket to encourage bone growth.

If we've removed teeth outside the smile zone, the resulting orthodontics will move teeth into the opened space. In the end, you won't even notice they're gone. Teeth lost or congenitally missing in the smile zone, though, may eventually require a replacement tooth. A dental implant is the best choice, but it should be put on hold for a younger person until their jaw has fully developed.

In the meantime, we can install a spacer or a temporary restoration to hold the empty space and prevent other teeth from drifting into it. This can be incorporated into braces or aligners, or with a removable partial denture or a temporary modified bridge.

Extracting teeth to aid orthodontics first requires a well-laid plan that could encompass several years. The end result, though, can be well worth the time and effort — better function and a new, attractive smile.

If you would like more information on the process of straightening teeth, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Tooth Removal for Orthodontic Reasons.”

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By Marcia Martinez, D.M.D.
September 05, 2017
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: orthodontics   braces  

Do you wish you had straighter teeth? Does your misaligned smile make you feel as though you need to cover your mouth when you orthodonticslaugh? Straightening your teeth with orthodontic care is easier than ever with your Orlando, FL dentist. Learn more about orthodontic care and straightening your smile with Dr. Marcia Martinez.

How does orthodontic care work? 
No matter which style braces you choose, the basic idea remains the same. Braces use slight pressure placed onto the teeth to move them into their new positions. Every few weeks, your dentist will tweak the tightness or positioning of the braces to adjust the pressure placed on the teeth. Dentists usually recommend braces for patients over the age of 12, though some patients may require earlier care to guide their still-growing teeth and jaws before further problems arise. The proper care is crucial to your end result, as tooth decay or gum disease could increase treatment times or cause other issues. Patients should have a committed at-home oral care routine consisting of brushing at least twice and flossing at least once a day.

What are my options for orthodontic care? 
When you envision braces, you may first envision traditional metal braces. Metal brackets attached permanently to the teeth throughout treatment hold metal wires, held on by rubber bands. However, this method, while the most well known, is not your only option. Invisalign and other aligner-based orthodontic methods use clear, plastic aligner trays to move the teeth. The trays place the required pressure onto the teeth rather than relying on the metal wires of traditional braces. Ceramic, tooth-colored braces use the same general idea as metal braces, but replace the obvious metal parts with more subtle materials.

Orthodontic Care in Orlando, FL 
Orthodontics treat many dental issues, including misaligned or crooked teeth, uneven teeth, overcrowded or overlapped teeth, under crowded or gapped teeth, overbite, underbite, cross bite, open bite, and more. If you think you could benefit from braces, you should consult with your dentist to determine if this is the best course of treatment for you.

For more information on orthodontics in the Orlando, FL area, please contact Dr. Martinez. Call (407) 273-6620 to schedule your consultation for braces today!

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By Marcia Martinez, D.M.D.
February 09, 2017
Category: Oral Health
Tags: oral hygiene   orthodontics   braces  
MakeEffortstoProtectYourTeethfromDiseaseWhileWearingBraces

Orthodontic treatment is a big investment. But given the benefits for future good health and a more attractive smile, it's well worth it.

In the here and now, though, braces wearers face a different threat to their dental well-being — dental disease. Wearing braces can actually increase the risk of disease and make it more difficult to fight.

Tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease, the two most common forms of dental disease, usually arise from plaque, a thin film of bacteria and food particles on tooth surfaces. The bacteria produce acid, which erodes enamel and makes the teeth susceptible to decay. Certain bacteria can also infect the gums and eventually weaken their attachment to teeth. Thorough brushing and flossing everyday removes this disease-triggering plaque buildup.

But braces' hardware can make brushing and flossing more difficult. The brackets attached to the teeth and wires laced through them make it more difficult for floss and brush bristles to access all the areas around the teeth. Plaque can build up in certain spots; it's estimated braces wearers have two to three times the plaque of a person not wearing braces. Acid can also remain in contact with some of the enamel surface for too long.

It's important, therefore, if you wear braces to make a concerted effort to brush and floss thoroughly. Besides improving technique and taking more time, you might also consider additional aids. You can obtain toothbrushes specially designed for use with braces, as well as floss holders or threaders that make it easier to access between teeth. Another flossing alternative is an oral irrigator that sprays water under pressure between teeth is an alternative to flossing.

As a precaution against acid damage, we can boost enamel protection with additional fluoride applied to your teeth. We may also prescribe antibacterial rinses to keep the bacteria population low.

Above all, be sure to look out for signs of disease like swollen or bleeding gums or pain. As soon as you sense something out of the ordinary, be sure and contact us.

If you would like more information on keeping your teeth disease-free while wearing braces, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Caring for Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment.”

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By Marcia Martinez, D.M.D.
September 19, 2016
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: invisalign   orthodontics   braces  

Changing your smile with orthodontic care is one of the most obvious ways to overhaul and renew your look. With options like Invisalign, invisalignwhich uses unnoticeable, clear aligner trays instead of metal brackets and wires, you can straighten your smile efficiently and subtly. But how does Invisalign work? What is the science behind this virtually invisible orthodontic treatment? Find out with Dr. Marcia Martinez in Orlando, FL.

What is Invisalign? 
Invisalign uses the same principals as traditional braces to move the teeth. Just the right amount of pressure applied to the teeth moves them into their desired positions. However, unlike traditional braces, Invisalign uses clear aligner trays rather than metal brackets and wires. This gives you the freedom to realign your smile and correct your bite discreetly and effectively. Additionally, Invisalign is completely removable, allowing you to easily clean and care for your teeth and giving you the freedom to eat the foods you love without the hassle of traditional braces.

The Science Behind Invisalign
The design of Invisalign’s aligner trays is based on a calculated prediction of where the teeth will move throughout treatment. The basis for this prediction comes from a 3D model of your mouth taken to your dentist. The series of trays, worn one after another, place pressure onto the teeth little by little. Your dentist may place tooth-colored bumps called attachments onto the teeth to further aid in the distribution of pressure. Attachments help some teeth move more or less than others.

Invisalign Treatment in Orlando, FL
A good candidate for Invisalign is in good general and dental health and would like to commit to improving their smile. Patients should wear Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours a day, making their commitment to the treatment crucial in achieving a positive result.

For more information on Invisalign or how it works, please contact Dr. Marcia Martinez in Orlando, FL. Call (407) 273-6620 to schedule your consultation for Invisalign with Dr. Martinez today!

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By Marcia Martinez, D.M.D.
June 20, 2016
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: invisalign   orthodontics   braces  

Ready to get a straighter smile? Find out how Invisalign could give you the smile you want more discreetly.

For many teens and adults, the thought of wearing big metal braces in front of classmates and colleagues may have them just learning toinvisalign live with their crooked smile. But what if your Orlando dentist Dr. Marcia Martinez told you that there was a way to get the smile you want without wearing bulky and obvious braces? Well, there certainly is a way when you choose Invisalign.

What is Invisalign?

This revolutionary system provides a more aesthetically pleasing way to straighten smiles without the need for metal brackets and wires. Instead, a series of custom-made clear trays are created to help shift teeth into the proper position.

Since Invisalign aligners are made from nearly invisible plastic it is the perfect solution for working professionals and teens in high school and college who don’t want others to notice their braces. Of course, before you decide to get Invisalign in Orlando it’s important that you find out if you are the ideal candidate for this treatment.

Who Should Consider Invisalign?

While this cosmetic treatment is a great option for many of our patients, it isn’t right for everyone. Sometimes traditional braces end up being the only option for getting the results you desire. By scheduling a consultation with our general dentist in Orlando you can quickly find out whether Invisalign is right for your smile needs.

Whether Invisalign is right for you will depend on the type of dental issues you are looking to correct. Crooked teeth, overcrowding, and gaps between teeth can often be treated with these clear aligners. However, if you are looking to correct more serious jaw positions, you might get better results with regular braces.

Also, because Invisalign trays are removable you’ll also need to be ready to stay committed to your treatment. It may be tempting to remove your aligners but in order to get the best results you should leave them in for at least 22 hours out of the day. While aligners can be removed prior to eating, drinking or brushing your teeth, they should stay on the rest of the time. By not wearing them often enough you risk slowing down your treatment’s progress.

Who doesn’t want a straighter smile? If you want to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment then it’s time you called our Orlando, FL dental office for a consultation. Call Dr. Martinez today!

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Dentist in Orlando, FL Marcia Martinez, D.M.D. 5180 Curry Ford Road Orlando, FL 32812 (407) 273-6620 Dentist in Orlando, FL Call For Pricing!