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...

Burch Orthodontics Choosing to get orthodontic care is a big decision for anyone. It means you are ready for a lifetime change that will affect your smile in a positive way. At Burch Orthodontics , we understand and respect your reasons for wanting to improve the way you look and feel. Our practice will work with you every step of the way to make sure your orthodontic care is an amazing experience. Our office utilizes the latest technology while offering a variety of safe and gentle treatment options to give you the customized, individual care you deserve. We often get asked a lot of questions on orthodontic care and treatment. We love educating our patients on what to expect and the benefits of orthodontic treatment. However, we have also seen a lot of false information on orthodontic treatment. Some are rumors heard by someone else, others are myths that have been told long ago, passed around, and believed to be true. Here are a few orthodontic myths and the real truth. Myth: ...

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   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...

April is National Facial Protection Month and the team at Burch Orthodontics would like to take this time to remind our athletes to wear a mouthguard during recreational and organized sports. Burch Orthodontics A mouthguard is an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of your standard equipment from an early age when it comes to protecting your mouth. Mouthguards prevent injuries to the bone and tissues around the teeth. They also help prevent injuries to the lower jaw and temporomandibular joint in the jaw. A properly fitted mouthguard may be especially important for people who wear braces. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouthguard also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, which will help you avoid injuries to your gums and cheeks. An effective mouthguard should be comfortable, resist tears, be durable and easy to clean, and should not restrict your breathing or s...