Digital Bonded Damon Braces
Dr. Frank is passionate about using the best products and appliances for his patients. Here at Oceans, we use Damon Braces which are a state of the art, self-ligating bracket. This means no colored rubber ties like with conventional braces. This is especially important when choosing esthetic clear brackets, because there’s no rubber tie to stain and turn your clear braces yellow or green. Damon is also known for creating a broad, “movie-star” smile that conventional braces can’t compete with, given you a Smile that Makes a Splash!
- Enhanced Comfort – The Damon system reduces friction and uses more gentle wires making them much more comfortable than braces of the past!
- Improved Hygiene – Rubber ties are like plaque magnets, making oral hygiene a challenge. No rubber ties makes for happier, healthier teeth!
- Convenience – Braces used to mean coming in once a month to change your colors (because the rubber breaks down over time). With Damon our adjustments are scheduled every 8-10 weeks which our busy families love. Some patients are completed with treatment in as little as 9 visits!
Comprehensive Orthodontics
Comprehensive orthodontics can be many things. It can be metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual (inside) braces or clear aligners. These appliances, in the hands of a skilled and caring orthodontist, can treat overbites, underbites and crossbites, crowding, spacing, impactions and more. Dr. Frank has helped thousands of people become their best selves by crafting gorgeous and healthy smiles. Comprehensive orthodontics typically begins between the ages of 10-13, which is when all of the baby teeth are typically lost and the adult teeth have grown in.
At Oceans, all of our patients are monitored through the stages of dental development and screened for orthodontic needs when they reach their adult dentition and there are no more baby teeth. Dr. Frank will then discuss the benefits that orthodontic treatment can offer each individual and allow families to choose how to proceed. Dr. Frank believes strongly that his role as a doctor is to act as a guide on each person’s journey to optimal oral health and function. He will never dictate what must be done. Rather, he will explain your diagnosis and offer multiple treatment plan options, risks and benefits and help you decide what is best for you and your family. Doctors of older generations believed in Paternalism, thinking they needed to determine one plan and proceed without patient input. Dr. Frank believes that orthodontics is a team effort and all decisions and treatments are best accomplished together.
Braces FAQ
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Handling Orthodontic Issues
It is normal to experience some discomfort of the cheeks and lips for about a week after new braces are put on. This lasts while the cheeks ‘toughen up’ to the new appliances. Use a small ball of orthodontic wax pressed firmly onto the problem area to relieve the irritation. This is often a life-saver, and don’t worry, its non-toxic and is ok if accidentally eaten. Over-the-Counter topical anesthetics such as Ora-Gel can also be very helpful.
It is common for teeth to be sore for 2-5 days or more after braces are installed, and for 1-2 days after each orthodontic adjustment ‘tightening’ visit. This is normal. We recommend eating soft foods during this time. Over-the-Counter pain relievers, especially Tylenol, are very helpful in relief of tooth soreness. **Special Oceans tip** Dr. Frank uses advanced nickel titanium orthodontic wires that are activated by your body heat to move teeth. If the soreness gets to be too much, ice cream, shakes, smoothies and other cold foods will temporarily deactivate the wires and relieve the pressure from the braces on the teeth. YUMMMM!!!
As your teeth straighten out between adjustment visits, the wire may protrude out the back of your molar braces and poke your cheeks or gums. This is also often relieved by pressing a ball of orthodontic wax onto the sharp wire. It can be a quick visit to snip this wire during normal office hours, or for the handy, it is possible to trim these long wires with surgical scissors or wirecutters, just be careful!
A loose bracket typically occurs due to eating prohibited foods or sports injuries. Broken brackets can sometimes delay progress because the teeth without brackets cannot move. This is why it is so important to prevent broken or loose brackets. When they do occur, please always call our office to let us know. We will be able to recommend if we will repair the brackets at your next visit or sooner if necessary. If the loose bracket is uncomfortable, orthodontic wax can help stop it from sliding on the wire.
Use your handy interproximal brush to poke the food out
We at Oceans Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry aim to be exceptionally caring while providing exceptional care. The Oceans Team always provides the best dental care with a genuine smile. We elevate the lives and smiles of each and every person with whom we come in contact.
Location
522 E Broad St.
Westfield, NJ 07090
[email protected]
908-654-4949
Mon: 8:30am - 6pm
Tues: 9am - 6pm
Wed: 8am - 6pm
Thur: 8:30am - 6pm
Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm
