Burch Orthodontics

Heather K. Burch Orthodontics   You just got your braces on and they are driving you crazy. Yep…that sounds about right. To help make this adjustment period a little easier the team at Heather K. Burch Orthodontics recommends... Smoothing things over. When you first get your braces, sore spots may develop on your cheeks. To protect your cheeks, place wax on the bracket or wire. Rinsing with warm salt water several times a day is also very soothing to your gum and cheek tissues. Don’t worry…the soreness from your braces won’t last long, so try your best not to get mad at your braces.   Avoiding sticky or hard foods. You don’t want to do anything that could cause your bestie harm. And even though it may seem like the best foods are the foods that are sticky and/or hard…sticky or hard foods can break a bracket or wire. Chewing with your back teeth. Taking a large bite of food with your front teeth can leave your braces vulnerable to damage. Cut large foods into smal...

Heather K. Burch Orthodontics   At Burch Orthodontics , we believe that no matter what the reason for seeking orthodontic treatment, everyone deserves a beautifully straight smile. When your teeth are crooked, overlapped, or otherwise misaligned , you place an uneven amount of pressure when you bite down. That leads to pain, and it can cause your teeth to wear down, chip, and even break. Not only that, but poorly aligned teeth are also harder to clean properly which can lead to decay and gum disease. The benefits of braces go well beyond pure aesthetics. Braces have many positive side-effects. Better Breath - If you suffer from misaligned teeth you may also suffer from bad breath. When your teeth are crowded or crooked, adequately cleaning them becomes difficult. Having straight teeth makes it much easier to brush away the bacteria that causes bad breath. Reduced Risk of Bone Erosion - Misaligned teeth can result in jawbone erosion or bone loss. Bones and tissues are less...

Burch Orthodontics Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance. Just as straight, white teeth convey youth, a smile with crooked, discolored, or worn teeth is associated with an age. Beautifully straight, symmetrical white teeth cannot only make you look younger, but they can dramatically improve your confidence. Even if you start out with perfectly straight teeth, something called mesial drift will cause them to shift over time. Crowded teeth can increase the risk of tooth decay, premature tooth loss, and gum recession. Crowded or overlapping teeth can be difficult to clean, making gum disease more likely. Whether you’re 7 or 70 , it’s the same physiological process that moves teeth through bone. Teeth move in response to forces being placed on them over time. Although childhood is the ideal time to make c...

Heather K. Burch Orthodontics The toothbrush is your number one oral hygiene accessory.   We all know that toothbrushes help keep your teeth and mouth clean ...but do you know how long you should keep a toothbrush? It is recommended that you switch out that old toothbrush for a fresh new one ever 3 to 4 months. Replacing your toothbrush is essential since they are constantly being exposed to germs and bacteria. If you notice the bristles of your tooth brush have become worn that's a clear sign you need a new toothbrush.  People who wear braces should change their toothbrushes frequently because braces break down and fracture bristles which makes the toothbrush lose its effectiveness. It's helpful to keep a pack of toothbrushes available in the house at all times for easy replacement.   Now, you may be thinking…”My toothbrush is fine, I have it broken in just the way I like it.” Maybe that’s true, but did you know that your old toothbrush could actually be harming you...

Heather K. Burch Orthodontics   Your appearance can make a big difference in your confidence, and a healthy smile is one of the first things people notice. If you have crooked teeth, a bad bite, or other dental challenges, it can even be difficult for you to find the success you want as a professional. And for kids and teens, the discomfort of traditional braces can add to an already stressful school experience. Dr. Heather Burch is dedicated to creating beautiful smiles with straighter teeth and good bites. One of the orthodontic treatment options offered at Dr. Heather K. Burch Orthodontics , includes Clear Braces.   Clear Ceramic Braces are perfect for adults looking to improve their smile yet steer clear of any noticeable differences that may draw attention to their mouth. Teenagers that already feel insecure about their smiles don’t want the look of metal braces either.   And while traditional metal braces are effective, most teenagers choose Clear Ceramic ...

Heather K. Burch Orthodontics   You’ve just gotten your braces removed and it’s time to celebrate! Now that the braces have come of, the retainer has to go on. We can’t stress this enough...if you don’t wear your retainer as prescribed, your teeth are going to move out of alignment and back into their original, crooked places. Why is wearing a retainer so important? Your teeth aren't set rigidly into your jawbone like you might think. They are held in place by bands of fibrous tissue called the periodontal ligaments. After your teeth have been moved into their ideal position by your braces and/or other orthodontic appliances, it takes time for the periodontal ligaments to adjust. When you’re not wearing your retainer, pressure from your lips and tongue can cause your teeth to shift. Even if your teeth and smile don’t look like they have moved, that doesn’t mean they haven’t. If you go without wearing your retainer for long periods of time, your teeth will continue to move until...