There is no doubt that smiles open doors for all kinds of opportunities. It is a universally understood gesture in every part of the world. As a result, a smile is likely the first step in making friends and getting that coveted job.
Braces At Any Age
Initial evaluation by an orthodontist should be around age 7
Early treatment may result in less time wearing braces
Evaluation of emerging adult teeth
Middle and high school students
Adult teeth erupt and may present in crooked or awkward positions especially in this age group
Adults
Many adults over 25, 35 or even 50 come for orthodontic evaluations
It is never too late for a beautiful smile
Types of Braces
American Orthodontics EMPOWER combines the best of metal and plastic bracing techniques
Adjustable torque and fit for comfort
Can be metal, plastic or a combination of both
Provides correction for the most difficult alignment issues
Can be customized with color or theme of child’s choice to make orthodontia
a little more fun
EMPOWER clear
Similar to the metal type, but completely clear
Suitable for those who wish to be less conspicuous
Corrects with wires, but generally not as quickly as with metal
The popular Invisalign appliance is invisible as the name implies and simply sits over the top of teeth.
Consequently the best for minor orthodontic correction
Furthermore easily removes for eating and cleaning
Helpful to maintain teeth after completing course of orthodontia
Lingual
These appliances are worn behind the teeth and thus not visible from the outside
Each orthodontist at our practice is an expert in their field. Consequently, with advanced training in the latest and safest technologies, our orthodontists care about one thing only: our patients’ smiles.
We offer free consultations that thoroughly explore every patient’s options. Dr. Panucci and her expert and friendly staff that will ensure a helpful and comfortable visit.
Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.
Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.
Braces can make oral care difficult, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. In many ways, they make maintaining proper oral hygiene even more important. If you want to have a beautiful smile once your teeth are properly straightened and aligned. You will need to take the necessary measures to maintain your teeth and braces.
Proper brace maintenance should be discussed with your orthodontist. However, this guide can give you a quick, go-to resource for understanding the needs of your brace and your teeth.
While each brace is doing its job to put your teeth into the proper alignment, they can also make it difficult to follow an oral hygiene routine. As the brace has more hooks, curves, and corners than our teeth, food particles can get trapped more easily.
To properly maintain your braces, here are a few cleaning habits you should adopt:
Clean Often:
• Clean Often: You may be used to hearing that you should brush twice a day. During the tooth-straightening procedure, you may find that you need to brush more often. Because the food can become trapped more easily, you are at a higher risk of growing harmful bacteria. To be safe, you should try to brush after every time you eat. This can dislodge any food that has become trapped in a brace or wire. If you don’t have a toothbrush available, try rinsing with water.
Use The Right Brush:
• Use The Right Brush: You may think that a hard bristle toothbrush is best for cleaning but it can actually be damaging. Additionally, the stiffness of the brush bristles can make it difficult to really get under the wire or shape around the brace. Instead, choose a soft bristle brush that can form around each brace and move between the wires. You should be able to feel the bristles between your wires.
Floss:
• Floss: Flossing is important for everyone, but your wires can make it a little more difficult to properly floss. However, you shouldn’t stop flossing just because it is a little more difficult. In many ways, flossing is even more important because of how easily food can get trapped. If you’re really struggling to floss, talk to your orthodontist about special accessories that can make it easier. Floss threaders allow you to easily get between the wires or you can even use special floss that has a thicker end.
Use Mouthwash:
• Use Mouthwash: Mouthwash is recommended when trying to maintain oral hygiene. It can help deliver a punch of antibacterial power to your teeth and gums. Because it is so easy for food to be trapped in your teeth, mouthwash can help rinse that food away and kill any bacteria it may have caused. Mouthwash can also help relieve irritation and reduce swelling that can be caused by a brace or wire rubbing on your mouth or gums. Antibacterial properties can keep cuts or sores clean so that they can heal quickly and properly.
Avoid Certain Foods:
• Avoid Certain Foods: Cleaning our teeth properly isn’t the only thing we should do to keep each brace strong and intact. There are also some foods that you will want to avoid to ensure you have a beautiful smile when all the metal comes off. Foods to avoid include anything sweet or sugary, such as sodas or candies. Because the sugar has a better chance of getting stuck in your teeth, there is also a bigger chance that you will experience tooth decay. Sticky foods, like gum or caramel, should also be avoided because they can pull a brace from your tooth. Hard foods, like nuts or popcorn, can break your wires.
Eat Low Acidity Foods:
• Eat Low Acidity Foods: If you’re wondering what you can eat that won’t damage your brackets or wires, focus on foods with low acidity levels. These will not cause damage to your tooth enamel. Low acidity foods include eggs, milk, bananas and seafood. Vegetables, potatoes, and yogurt are also low acidity so they can be incorporated into your diet as much as you would like.
The Importance of Brace Maintenance
As you probably already know, undergoing a treatment to straighten your teeth can be expensive. But if you take proper care of your teeth, the beautiful smile you’ll have after you’re done will be well worth the money. However, if you don’t take care of your brackets and wires, you won’t get the smile you’re after. Or it will take longer to see your best results.
Don’t compromise a beautiful smile just because you’re feeling lazy. Ignoring your brushing or flossing for just one night allows tooth-damaging bacteria to grow. This can leave you with tooth decay or gum disease. While proper maintenance and oral hygiene can take a few minutes to complete, having a healthy smile that you can’t wait to show off will be worth it.
Discuss
Be sure to discuss the unique needs of your mouth, brackets, wires, and teeth. Because each individual is different and will have different components of their procedure, you may need to take additional steps to ensure they are properly maintained. Have your orthodontist walk you through the various steps of a proper cleaning and what else you should be doing at home to maintain your smile.
If you have questions about brackets, wires, or other teeth straightening procedures, contact the expert dental team at BeachBraces. As leaders in the orthodontics industry, we have helped individuals of all ages and will all different needs get the smile they have always dreamed of. If you’re ready to make an appointment and begin discussing what your orthodontic options are, you can contact our Manhattan Beach office at 310-379-0006.
Beach Braces Orthodontics
220 N. Aviation Blvd
Suite A
Manhattan Beach
CA 90266
Phone: (310) 379-0006
Skype: Beachbraces https://www.beachbraces.org/
Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.
Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.
Smile. Jim Beggs believed that you should only have a frown on your face when it is impossible to smile. However, if you have crooked teeth, then you probably don’t want to smile due to embarrassment. It is important for children to begin wearing braces as soon as possible to repair their malocclusions, but if you are an adult with misaligned teeth, then it is easy to wear Invisalign aligners instead. While taking your child to an orthodontist for an appointment, make sure to schedule a free consultation to determine if you can benefit from orthodontic treatment.
Eliminate Secondary Problems That Are Caused by Misaligned Teeth
You might frown each day because you wake up with a headache or jaw pain that is caused by a bad bite. By undergoing orthodontic treatment for a few months with clear plastic aligners, you can shift some of your teeth into better positions to improve your bite to prevent secondary problems such as earaches. Wearing aligners is easy because the devices are made of soft but durable plastic that is molded to fit over your teeth precisely. After wearing a set of aligners for two weeks, you will replace the devices with a new set that will apply pressure to your teeth.
Call Us to Schedule an Appointment for a Complete Examination
If you live in or near Manhattan Beach, Calif., then make sure to schedule an appointment at Beach Braces. Our orthodontic facility has top-of-the-line diagnostic equipment in order to create the best orthodontic devices for our patient’s teeth. Dr. Patricia J. Panucci is able to assist patients with these orthodontic treatments:
• Self-ligating devices
• Invisalign for adults and teens
• Clear braces
• WildSmile brackets
• Lingual devices
In addition, our orthodontist offers the AcceleDent Aura system that can reduce your orthodontic treatment time.
Beach Braces Orthodontics
220 N. Aviation Blvd
Suite A
Manhattan Beach
CA 90266
Phone: (310) 379-0006
Skype: Beachbraces https://www.beachbraces.org/
Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.
Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.
https://www.beachbraces.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2BB-OCT2016.png600800Dr Patricia Panuccihttps://www.beachbraces.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/logo-beach-braces-orthodontics.pngDr Patricia Panucci2016-10-10 11:44:552019-05-28 05:18:35How to Smile Like a Boss
A healthy smile does indeed brighten up a person’s face like sunshine from within. Beautiful teeth not only improve a smile but also improve the overall health of teeth and jaw.
Importance of Straightening Teeth
Orthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on the straightening of teeth and improving the bite. Misaligned teeth and jaw problems can cause a myriad of problems further down the road. These include tooth loss, therefore a persons bone structure can be comprised and tooth enamel worn down.
Age for Orthodontics
A child can be evaluated for orthodontic check-ups around the age of 7, moreover, the child’s progression from baby teeth to adult teeth can be monitored annually to assess the need for orthodontia. The earlier misaligned teeth are corrected, the shorter the treatment and easier the correction.
However, it’s never too late for adults to obtain an evaluation and consultation with an orthodontist. Improving one’s smile is not just cosmetic, it keeps the jaw and the bite healthy and strong. In addition, it adds to confidence and bolsters self-esteem. In our practice, we firmly believe it is never too late to obtain and maintain a bright beautiful smile.
Braces
There are several types of orthodontic corrective devices available for both children and adults including colored braces. Traditional metal ones used in conjunction with rubber bands slowly move teeth to the desired position, additionally, there are the types that are attached to just the inner side of teeth where less correction is needed and invisible from the outside. Also available are invisible or clear ones which are less noticeable for minor to moderate correction. Invisalign is a system is nearly invisible and can correct minor orthodontic problems, thus they are easy to wear and to maintain and are completely inconspicuous. Braces or retainers can be in most cases worn at night.
For a healthy smile call Beach Braces for an orthodontist consultation today
Beach Braces Orthodontics
220 N. Aviation Blvd
Suite A
Manhattan Beach
CA 90266
Phone: (310) 379-0006
Skype: Beachbraces https://www.beachbraces.org/
Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.
Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.
Leading Manhattan Beach orthodontist has noted that an orthodontic patient’s most anticipated appointment day is probably the day that their braces are finally removed, and they are able to see the unencumbered results of the time and money that they have devoted to their teeth. While the excitement of seeing their new smile is justified, it is important for them to keep in mind that the treatment is not yet complete. They still need to make sure they continue with retainers.
After The Braces Are Removed
The process of teeth straightening doesn’t end with the removal of braces. As with any other diagnosis, you should follow the prescribed treatment plan to get the results that you want. In addition, there is a level of after-care for the teeth that has to be maintained in order to protect the investment that you have made.
After the removal of the braces, your orthodontist will want to evaluate how well the teeth have been aligned, possibly by taking a bite impression or an X-ray, if necessary. Thus, if the patient is a child or teenager, the teeth may be examined to determine if there has been a growth of wisdom teeth. If so, you may advised to have them removed as the emergence of the wisdom teeth could affect the alignment of the teeth that had been straightened.
Retainers
The natural shifting of teeth is inevitable as one grows into an adult and then ages. This is also true for teeth that have been straightened with braces. A retainer is an orthodontic device that is tailored-made for your teeth and mouth and that is used as a safeguard to maintain the alignment of the corrected teeth. They can be categorized as removable or fixed. Consequently each type of retainer has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Removable retainers can be removed and placed back into the mouth at will and requires some compliance on the part the patient in order to be used as prescribed by orthodontists. Finally, there are two types of removable retainers:
Removable
• Hawley – Accordingly, these retainers have a metal wire that runs across the front of your teeth and are attached to an acrylic piece that fits into the roof of your mouth. They tend to be the most-used type. You can have a creatively personalized retainer as they come in a variety of styles and colors. They will not prevent your teeth from touching naturally and can be adjusted to adhere to any change in teeth alignment. Furthermore, while they are durable and easy to clean, they can be very noticeable to others and can alter your speech when they are initially worn.
• Clear Plastic – These retainers are sometimes also referred to as vacuum-formed retainers. They are made of a clear plastic that is molded to fit the teeth and can appear almost invisible when worn. There are a few marked differences when compared to the Hawley retainers. They do not tend to last as long and prevent your teeth from touching naturally and cannot be adjusted.
Fixed
Fixed or permanent retainers are composed of a thin wire that runs across the back of the teeth where they are bonded or glued in place. They are invisible to others, but can make the flossing your teeth difficult. They can remain inside of the mouth indefinitely. In order to have them removed safely, you would have to see a professional.
Retainers FAQ
Are Retainers Able To Fix Shifts of Teeth?
Retainers are a vital part of oral care after the removal of braces. Consequently, they are used to ensure that the patient’s teeth remain straightened and in place. The muscles, bones, gums adjust to the new position of your teeth. If a retainer is not used as directed by the orthodontist the teeth return to their original positions and a loss of the investment that has been made into getting the smile that you wanted. This is particularly important with children and teenagers who have had their braces removed, as their bones are still growing.
If the shifting of the teeth is minimal, a retainer could be used to move the teeth back to how they were positioned when the braces were initially removed. Finally, the retainer must never be forced onto the teeth if it doesn’t fit. Consequently, if this is the case, the patient should contact their orthodontic specialist regarding corrective procedures.
How Long Should Retainers Be Worn?
The frequency and the length of time a retainer is worn after braces are removed varies from patient to patient. You should follow the instructions of your orthodontist.
You will need to wear the retainer all day, for the first few months. In the case of a removable retainer, as the structures around the teeth adjust to the new position of the teeth, you may be able to wear the retainer with less frequency. Your retainer, whether it is removable or fixed, is a permanent part of your long-term treatment plan for maintaining straight teeth. This plan could conceivably last for years.
Contact Our Orthodontic Office Today
In conclusion, the orthodontist working at Beach Braces in Manhattan Beach, Calif., understands how to evaluate her patients with top-of-the-line computer software. Dr. Patricia J. Panucci works with children, teenagers and adults to improve their smile and bite with these orthodontic treatments:
• Lingual braces
• Self-ligating devices
• Wild smile brackets
• Aesthetic devices
• Invisalign for adults and teenagers
Make sure you visit an Invisalign specialist like Patricia J. Panucci of Manhattan Beach Orthodontics. She possesses great skill and knowledge along with a compassionate nature. Its easy to get a complimentary consultation. She will give you a thorough evaluation and help you achieve a new and improved smile with perfectly straight teeth. Schedule an appointment today!
Beach Braces, 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
TEL: 310-379-0006 Fax: (310) 379-7051
Can retainers fix a slight shift of teeth after braces?
Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.
Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.
Yes, smiles really are contagious! Your smile truly does affect those around you. The area of your brain that controls your smiling mechanism and the times that you mimic someone else’s smile is in the cingulate cortex, which is a response area that is automatic. Swedish researchers showed subjects pictures of different emotions, including anger, fear, joy and surprise. When a subject was shown a picture of a smiling person, the researchers told them to frown. What the researchers found was that the subjects naturally did the opposite. It actually took a lot of effort for the subjects to put a frown on their face. When you smile at someone, the odds are good that they can’t help but return that smile to you. If they don’t, it’s only because they are trying really hard to be a Grumpy Gus!
Who Is Missing Your Smile?
We all want to make the people around us happy. That’s just a natural part of being a social, well-adjusted individual. We would all rather be around someone who’s flashing smiles as opposed to frowns. But passing along the smiles may be harder if you’re not happy with your own smile. While a smile is a smile is a smile, you may be less apt to flash your less-than-perfect whites to a friend or stranger who sorely needs it.
How Can The World Benefit From Your Smile?
Invisalign aligners can straighten your teeth without the use of braces. You can remove these invisible aligners, which means that no one has to know that you’re straightening your teeth. A benefit of Invisalign is that you can eat and drink as you normally do. You can also brush and floss as you would in your normal routine. Because these aligners are not braces, there are no metals, wires or brackets that can cause abrasions.
If you’re interesting in having the world benefit from your smile, contact Beach Braces to see if Invisalign is the right solution for your smile. You and your orthodontist can create a treatment plan that will give you your perfect smile.
Beach Braces Orthodontics
220 N. Aviation Blvd
Suite A, Manhattan Beach
CA 90266
Phone: (310) 379-0006
Fax: (310) 379-7051
Skype: Beachbraces
If You See a Friend Without a Smile, Give Him One of Yours
Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.
Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.
https://www.beachbraces.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/BB2-July2016.png600800Dr Patricia Panuccihttps://www.beachbraces.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/logo-beach-braces-orthodontics.pngDr Patricia Panucci2016-07-14 20:13:492019-02-12 22:06:16If You See a Friend Without a Smile
In today’s world, it seems like we are bombarded with stress and pressure. Sometimes, it can be hard for moms to get a break from the constant drive to be what society deems “perfect”. While it’s fantastic to strive to do your best, Dawn Gluskin reminds us all of some important truths when she states “Don’t take life too seriously! Nobody gets out alive anyway. Smile. Be goofy. Take chances. Have fun. Inspire.” Today we’re going to focus on how to do just that!
Be Goofy
Yes, there are times when you have to act like a mature adult, but there are also times when you can “let down your hair” and just enjoy the moment. Take the opportunity to goof off with your kids or enjoy time with some friends.
Take Chances
It’s easy for moms to get stuck in a comfort zone and feel nervous doing anything out of the norm. Today, break free from the bondage and feel free to step out there. Take chances and release your wild side.
Have Fun
Go out for pizza in the middle of the week, ride the scariest roller coaster at the amusement park, and listen to your favorite music on the way to work.
Inspire Others
Every day, you have the opportunity to make an impact on the lives of those around you. Whether you’re in college, working full-time, or a stay-at-home mom who only sees her kids, husband, and the workers at the grocery store, you have the chance to make a difference. Look to inspire those around you with acts of kindness and words of understanding.
Smile
How can you tell a happy girl? By the big smile on her face! Make a conscious effort to always wear that frown upside down, and let your smile bring joy wherever you go. It’s amazing what a smile can do for not only those around you but even for your own attitude. If you feel uncomfortable about your smile, consider looking into braces or Invisalign treatment.
Here at Beach Braces Orthodontics, we specialize in helping both adults and children unlock their hidden self-confidence by developing a beautiful smile. We will work with you to help you get the smile you want by using braces or Invisalign treatments. Contact us today and find out how our orthodontist can help you improve your quality of life!
Beach Braces Orthodontics
220 N. Aviation Blvd
Suite A
Manhattan Beach
CA 90266
Phone: (310) 379-0006
Skype: Beachbraces https://www.beachbraces.org/
Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.
Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.
https://www.beachbraces.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Toyna-M.jpg480640Dr Patricia Panuccihttps://www.beachbraces.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/logo-beach-braces-orthodontics.pngDr Patricia Panucci2016-01-30 10:00:002019-02-12 22:06:17Smile; Don’t Take Life to Seriously!
Braces. Few children grow up to have perfect teeth. Despite the best efforts of parents to train their kids in effective dental hygiene and twice-a-year checkups with a dentist, permanent teeth may display problems. Common dental concerns include teeth that do not come in when they should or in their designated place. Uneven alignment between upper and lower teeth is another issue. In fact, there are several scenarios that suggest someone may need or benefit from orthodontic treatment.
Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.
Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.
https://www.beachbraces.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/DSC00062.jpg33766000Dr Patricia Panuccihttps://www.beachbraces.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/logo-beach-braces-orthodontics.pngDr Patricia Panucci2016-01-20 10:00:002019-03-05 10:13:09What Are the Signs? (Braces May Be Needed)
