Our team is so excited to have you join the family and we will take really good care of you the day you get your braces on. It is normal to be nervous, but we promise it will all be worth it! So, what should you expect the week after you get braces? We're here to help guide you that first week as you make adjustments.
Expect Some Soreness
It is normal for your mouth to be sore or tender the first week after getting braces. Your teeth will already start to shift some! Also, it will take a little bit of time for your lips, gums, cheeks and tongue to adapt to the brackets and wires on your teeth. This tenderness will not last forever and should be much better in one to two weeks. Our team will send home some wax with you to cover any areas that get irritated from the brackets and wires.
To relieve the pain, we recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for just a couple of minutes (do not swallow the saltwater). If the pain is more severe and does not go away after rinsing, you can also try taking a pain reliever as needed. After a week or two, your mouth will toughen up and will not be tender any more.
What to Eat
We suggest eating soft foods for the first couple of days and staying away from anything tough to chew to help with your soreness. Things like pasta, bread and soup are great things to start out with. Once your tenderness goes away, you can eat what you feel like with a few exceptions listed below that you should not eat while you have braces.
Foods to avoid with braces:
Chewy foods — bagels, licorice
Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum
Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots
How to Brush & Keep Your Mouth Clean
It is always important to brush your teeth and have good dental hygiene, but it is super important while you have braces because it is much easier for food and bacteria to get stuck in your teeth. Make sure to take your time while brushing and get around every bracket. We will provide you with "flossers" that look like soft plastic sewing needles to help you get the floss through your wires and show you how to use them. Many patients feel that rinsing with water or mouthwash really helps get out anything stuck.
Live Life Normally
Other than that, not much changes when you have braces! You can still play sports and instruments. We do recommend wearing a mouthguard if you participate in a contact activity to protect your mouth. Dr. Cox is proud of you for starting a journey toward a straight and healthy smile. It will all be worth the wait, we promise!
A lot of people think about teenagers when they think about braces. The truth is that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist by age 7! Does that seem early? We get it. Keep reading to find out why seven years old is the perfect age to bring your child in for their first orthodontic evaluation.
Why Age Seven?
We hear all the time that seven seems early for an orthodontic appointment. Most seven-year-olds do not even have many of their permanent teeth yet and you may be surprised to hear that is exactly why it is the best time for them to see an orthodontist. By scheduling your first consult before your child’s permanent teeth erupt, Dr. Cox can see potential problems before they happen. Common issues that can be seen during these early visits include problems with bite or overcrowding.
Preventing Problems
Another important benefit of early orthodontic office visits is the prevention of complicated orthodontic problems down the road. By checking how your child’s teeth are coming in and their jaw is developing your orthodontist can begin building your child’s individual treatment plan, including when the optimal time to begin treatment will be.
Before they are ready for braces, some younger children may need to wear orthodontic appliances to help prevent problems or your orthodontist may suggest yearly check-ups to monitor growth and tooth development. There is also the potential that early appointments can shorten treatment times and prevent the need for more intensive or uncomfortable procedures. By avoiding longer treatment times, or more complicated procedures, early appointments can also help save you money!
Lifelong Smiles Start at Seven
We know that, as parents, you only want the very best for your children now and always. That includes a lifelong beautiful smile. Scheduling your child’s first appointment by two, is the key to starting them on the most ideal orthodontic path. If your child is nearing age 7 (or is older and has not seen an orthodontist yet) Contact us today. We want to help your family see the benefits and beautiful smiles that early orthodontic treatment can provide.
Are you tired of constantly having to read the fine print? Hidden costs, strange fees, and price hikes happen all of the time, especially in the dental and health industries. Read more to find out why you can trust Pridemore and Cox Orthodontics with your teeth – and your wallets.
No Hidden Fees
We pride ourselves on providing up-front pricing and affordable care to all patients. That means no hidden fees – ever. You know exactly what you’re paying for with no surprises. And if there’s ever a question, our team is always here to help.
In addition to never finding sneaky ways to charge you, our fees generally stay at the same rate. We haven’t and we’ll never raise our prices without letting you know first. There are some cases where the costs of supplies may increase our cost, but generally, your cost as the patient is going to stay the same.
All-Inclusive Treatment
After your initial treatment plan, you’ll be provided an estimate that includes ALL of your treatments. We never add on little extra expenses here and there. From day one, you’re going to know how much your treatment is going to cost from beginning to end. If the need for new treatments arises, those will be explained in the same way with a brand-new estimate that encompasses everything needed.
Affordable for All
We believe that quality, professional, and technologically advanced orthodontic care is a right – not a privilege only afforded to those with a lot of money. We pride ourselves on our affordable treatment, convenient payment options, straightforward financial information, and a commitment not to raise prices. And that should make you smile!
Care You Can Trust
We want our patients and their parents to be completely comfortable in our offices. That means never worrying that we’re trying to swindle or take advantage of you financially. It is our highest promise that we provide straightforward, easy-to-understand, and easy-to-afford care. It’s one of the things that sets us apart. You can count on it!
Contact us today to schedule your next appointment or a new patient appointment!
Even though it may seem like you’re in the dental exam chair a lot while you’re in braces (or clear aligners), seeing the orthodontist is not the same thing as seeing your regular dentist. Keep reading to find out why.
The Difference in an Orthodontist and Dentist
Both of these dental professionals play a big part in keeping mouths healthy and improving your oral health, but in different ways. A dentist covers a broad range of dental problems, specializing in teeth, gums, nerves, and jaws. A large part of general dentistry is treating or preventing tooth decay. Orthodontists are specialists who focus on correcting the alignment of teeth. This may include correcting bites, occlusion, and/or the straightness of one’s teeth.
Why See Both
While you’re wearing braces, it’s vitally important that you keep up with your regular dental checkups. Even though Dr. Cox went to dental school before diving into his specialty, your orthodontist appointments will not include a regular cleaning or an exam of the overall health of your teeth. Keeping up with your twice-a-year dental checkups while you’re in braces will allow for you to have your teeth professionally cleaned as well as check for tooth decay or other dental problems.
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
Braces and other orthodontic treatments play a big part in your overall dental health. But there is one potential drawback if you aren’t careful – brushing and flossing can be a bit more difficult with braces on. It’s a small risk, but one that doesn’t need to be ignored. Brackets and wires can make it hard to get food particles out from in between your teeth. Leaving food or sugar on your teeth for a prolonged time can lead to tooth decay or cavities. Keeping up with your dental appointments is the very best way to make sure that any problems are spotted early. Your general dentist is also able to spot any gum problems that an orthodontist isn’t looking for at your exam.
A Team Effort
Orthodontists and dentists work hand-in-hand to keep your teeth, mouth, and gums healthy. The goal of our entire team – and of good general dentist offices – is to always make sure our patients get a well-rounded approach to oral health!
Dr. Ryan Cox and the entire team are excited to announce that we’ve been voted best orthodontist in Rome, GA in the Best of Rome contest! We are also excited to announce that this is our 12th year in a row to receive this award and we are thankful for the support of our patients and their families. We would like to thank all of you for the continued love and support you've shown Pridemore & Cox Orthodontics.
Voted Best Orthodontist in Rome, GA
Our amazing orthodontist, Dr. Ryan Cox is passionate about serving the families of Rome and their smiles. Our team offers a variety of treatment options based on the individual needs of our patients. After your complimentary consultations, Dr. Cox will create a custom treatment plan just for you. Whether it's traditional braces, Invisalign, or clear braces, we will be there for you every step of the way.
Ready to Start Your Orthodontic Journey?
Are you ready to grow your confidence with a beautiful smile here at Pridemore & Cox Orthodontics? Click here to schedule your complimentary exam or give us a call at (706) 234-0877. We look forward to meeting you and your family soon!
Join us to celebrate one of our favorite months of the entire year! October is National Orthodontic Health Month and we want to bring awareness to how important staying up to date on your orthodontic health is. Not only does a beautiful smile make you feel confident, but it also has so many physical health benefits to having a healthy smile! Read more about the many benefits of taking care of your gums and teeth the right way below.
Straight Teeth are Easier to Clean
Straight teeth are easier to clean. Not only does this make mornings and evenings easier when brushing and flossing our teeth, it means there is less room for tooth decay. Teeth that are overcrowded and misaligned are harder to clean and you are bound to miss those hard-to-reach spots when you're cleaning your teeth. Without seeing your orthodontist and fixing your orthodontic needs, there is a far greater chance your tooth enamel might erode. Tooth erosion occurs when acids wear away the enamel on your teeth.
Avoid Problems with Breathing, Swallowing, or Talking
Another benefit of treating your orthodontic problems correctly is to avoid breathing, swallowing, or talking problems. While some may overlook this issue, this is a very big concern when you don't take care of your teeth properly. Crooked teeth can lead to lisp or slurring in one's speaking abilities. The good news is this can be fixed with braces or Invisalign®! Crowded and crooked teeth can also lead to issues with eating due if you have an overbite or jaw issue. It can also lead to problems fully chewing which will lead to digestive issues.
Prevent Headaches with Orthodontic Care
Many people suffer from chronic headaches and we know how painful and uncomfortable they can be. In some cases, people are experiencing those headaches as a side effect of crooked teeth. The team here at Pridemore & Cox Orthodontics would love to help you alleviate those problems with the right orthodontic care.
Many Perks to Orthodontic Treatment
As you can see, there are many advantages to having proper orthodontic treatment. While this isn't all of the perks, we fully believe that a beautiful and healthy smile leads to overall improved quality of life. If you are ready to start your orthodontic journey, give us a call today at (706) 237-8501 to set up a complimentary consultation! Happy Orthodontic Health Month!
Did you know that there is an entire month dedicated to spreading awareness about the importance of dental health in children? The first dental health day was observed on February 8, 1949 by the American Dental Association. The observance was extended to one week in 1955 and to one month in 1981. Dr. Ryan Cox and the team are proud to help kids and their parents learn how to have healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime!
Getting an Early Start
Tooth decay is one of the top problems we see in children. For this reason, it is vital that we teach our young ones how to properly take care of their mouth. The sooner a child learns how to take care of their teeth, the better! The best way for them to learn is to see their parents or guardians practice good habits. It is also important that they begin to regularly see a dentist or pediatric dentist at age one. Although kids lose their baby teeth, their permanent teeth can be affected by poor oral hygiene.
One of the common questions we get asked is, "When should my child start braces?". The answer is, it depends. Like fingerprints, every person has a unique set of teeth. However, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children see an orthodontic specialist, like Dr. Cox, at age seven for an exam. That does not mean that every child will be ready to begin treatment at that age. The exam will allow Dr. Cox to see any potential concerns for early treatment and he will be able to give each patient an idea of what their treatment will entail. If your child is not quite ready for treatment, they will be placed in our observation program where we see them every so often to check their progress. This way we can begin treatment at the optimal time saving you time and money in the long run.
Schedule an Appointment Today
The Pridemore & Cox Orthodontics team cannot wait to meet you and your family! We are currently offering complimentary consultations to new patients for treatment with braces and clear aligners like Invisalign. Have questions? We are here for you! To get started, call our office or fill out our online appointment request form and a member from our team will reach out to you.
Even though it may seem like you’re in the dental exam chair a lot while you’re in braces (or clear aligners), seeing the orthodontist is not the same thing as seeing your regular dentist. Keep reading to find out why.
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