Invisalign

Taking someone’s braces or Invisalign off is one of my favorite things to do as an orthodontist. All the hard work that our office and our patient has put into achieving the perfect smile finally comes to a grand finale. It is a fun day and a cause for celebration.

What most patients don’t realize is that they have a lot of control over when that happens.  There is an aspect of every treatment that is controlled by the orthodontist and no one else. The interpretation of the x-rays, the development of a treatment plan, the placement of the appliances, and the design of the smile among others.

However, there is also an aspect of every treatment that only the patient controls. Whether their teeth are clean and healthy, whether they follow the guidelines to avoid candy that would break off braces, whether they wear their elastics (rubber bands) or aligners for the entire recommended time, and whether they consistently show up for their scheduled appointments. I often find myself answering the question of “When am I getting my braces off?” with another question like, “When are you going to wear your elastics?”.  This response often gets an eye roll, but it is important to understand that there are some aspects of the treatment that the orthodontist cannot control yet are critical to achieving an ideal outcome.

If you are anxious to complete your orthodontic treatment, ask your orthodontist what things you can do to speed up the process.  You might be surprised at how important you are to your own treatment.  Give us a call today and let us help you smile with confidence!

When I was a child in about 7^th grade, Michael Jordan was the talk of the NBA.  He was the greatest basketball player I had ever seen.  He signed a deal with Nike to create a new style of athletic shoes – the “Air Jordan” basketball shoe.  I was an aspiring basketball player and would play every day in PE during free play and on the playground with my friends. I was convinced that these shoes would make me run faster, jump higher, and maybe even shoot better (all things that left a lot of room for improvement in my case).

However, my family did not have enough money to buy these expensive new “magic” shoes. Instead, when my existing shoes began to wear holes in them, I distinctly remember my mom bought me a pair of white Reebok shoes. I was so disappointed and every time I missed a shot or someone jumped higher than me to get a rebound, I looked down at my shoes and thought I knew the reason.

Years later, when I eventually bought my first pair of “Air Jordan” shoes, it became apparent that what mattered a lot more than the shoes was the person wearing them.

As an orthodontist, I am often asked what type of braces we use in our office.  There are several orthodontic manufacturers of braces in the US market with an excellent reputation for quality that have been in business for several decades.  There are certainly differences in the quality of manufacturing between a well-known and established manufacturer with excellent quality control and an Amazon reseller posting foreign made brackets with no quality control.

That being said - just like athletic shoes - when it comes to braces it matters a lot more who is putting the braces on your teeth than the name brand of braces being used. In our office, we use American Orthodontics, 3M Clarity Clear Braces, and Damon braces to give patients different style choices and because Dr. Budd has a preference for different brackets in different clinical situations. For aligners, we use Invisalign, but there are other reputable manufacturers out there including 3M Clarity Aligners and Spark Clear Aligners among others. However, as long as you are using a reputable manufacturer, there are no magic braces or aligners that can unleash the superhero powers in your chosen orthodontist.  Dr. Budd is a board-certified orthodontist in the Phoenix and Scottsdale metro area – give us a call today and let us help you achieve your dream smile - even without magic braces.

At Budd Orthodontics, Invisalign treatment with clear aligners has become a popular orthodontic treatment in today’s digital world. The treatment is based off of the information taken from a 3D scan of your teeth with an iTero digital scanner and the corresponding computer simulation of the movements of your teeth.

Although the software used to create this digital simulation is very accurate, it cannot account for all of the variables that make each of us unique – tongue pressure, lip pressure, swallowing patterns, and differences in how well patients wear the aligners. Sometimes when we arrive at the end of the simulated orthodontic treatment, what you see in the mouth does not match exactly what you originally saw on the computer screen. We correct this by completing what we refer to as an Invisalign “Refinement”.

An Invisalign Refinement is completed by essentially repeating the process that was used the first time to create the Invisalign aligners. A new 3D scan is taken of the updated position of the teeth, and any movements that were not achieved with the first simulation are completed in the refinement aligners.  It is a little fine-tuning of your smile to make sure that we get the best possible result. This allows us to overcome the limitations of the software simulation and create a smile you will love.  A significant number of Invisalign treatments don’t require any refinement, but we always have that as an available option to make sure we deliver the best possible smile. Give us a call today, and let us help you smile with confidence.

Among the 330 million people in the United States, there are a little over 200,000 practicing dentists according to the American Dental Association’s 2021 data. However, only 6% of those dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists are dentists who have completed a 2-3 year residency training at an accredited program in addition to the 3-4 years of normal dental training.  Of the 6% who complete their orthodontic residency training, only 54% of them are board-certified orthodontists according to 2022 data from the American Board of Orthodontics. Based on these numbers, being a board-certified orthodontist in the United States is not very common.

American Board of Orthodontics board-certification is a voluntary credential.  In other words, it is not required to practice orthodontics or to advertise orthodontic services like braces or Invisalign. It represents a commitment by an orthodontic specialist to the highest standards of excellence in the specialty and to life-long learning.

Dr. Budd is a board-certified orthodontist with the American Board of Orthodontics. He strongly believes in the value of the additional education and certification he has received to provide his patients with the best possible treatment outcomes in a friendly, welcoming environment. Orthodontics involves much more than just making teeth straight. It includes the complexity of facial growth, alignment of the jaws, correction of the bite, and the overall health of the teeth and supporting structures. A general dentist is ideal for providing regular oral health check-ups, comparable to your family doctor. Many dentists offer orthodontic treatment, but they do not have the same extensive education required of a board-certified orthodontist. This is an important distinction to understand when you are selecting someone to help you or your family with their orthodontic care.

The foods we eat and the beverages we drink can slowly cause staining to the surfaces of our teeth. This type of staining is generally very superficial and can be easily removed by polishing the enamel surface of the tooth.  This is one reason why it is important to see your dentist at least every six months for a cleaning.

However, there is another type of staining that is not just on the surface and cannot be removed. This type of stain is caused by poor oral hygiene and is completely avoidable with good brushing and flossing. Having braces on your teeth will not doom you to have stains on your teeth.  In fact, the opposite is true.  Braces or Invisalign can give you a beautiful smile that you can achieve in no other way. That being said, proper care of your teeth is essential during orthodontic treatment. Teeth that are not cleaned regularly will be begin to accumulate plaque bacteria. Plaque bacteria can slowly leach minerals out of teeth causing light to reflect differently off of the surface of your teeth. This change can give the appearance of a white stain on the surface of the tooth – a portion of the tooth that appears whiter with an irregular border around it. This type of staining is often referred to as a “white spot lesion”. Over time, white spot lesions can progress into cavities if enough mineral is lost from the tooth. The area that loses too much mineral will cave in and create a hole in the tooth, thus the name “cavity”.

If white spot lesions occur, there are products designed to try to restore the lost minerals to the tooth to mask the appearance of the white staining.  While these products can help to some degree, they generally cannot restore the tooth to its original condition and some of the stain will remain. When this happens, the only way to eliminate the stain is to cover it up with some type of filling or veneer to mask its appearance.  While this is always an option, it is obviously much better to avoid the stain to begin with.

In our office, we use a sealant around the braces to help avoid any staining in patients who struggle with their brushing and flossing.  Fluoride rinses have also been shown to be effective in studies to help avoid white spot staining on the teeth.  However, nothing can take the place of good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing. Maintaining clean teeth during orthodontic treatment will pay dividends for the rest of your life. It is definitely worth the effort.

So you are getting ready to make your first visit to the orthodontist.  What will happen at this visit? Will it hurt? Will it take a long time?

Due to the fact that we don’t know what type of orthodontic problems you will have or how many questions you might have about your treatment, we typically schedule one hour for a new patient consultation. Every new patient will meet personally with Dr. Budd and have an opportunity to have all their questions answered.  Here is what you can expect:

1. The first thing we will do is gather information regarding your medical and dental health history, insurance information (the initial consultation is complimentary but we want to be able to give you an accurate out-of-pocket cost for any treatment we recommend), and a brief description of what you hope to accomplish with your orthodontic treatment. This information can be completed prior to your visit or upon arrival. A parent or guardian must accompany any patient under 18 years old for the initial consultation.
2. Photographs will be taken of your face and teeth. These photographs will be reviewed together with Dr. Budd to make it easier to discuss and visualize any recommended treatment. Dr. Budd may also recommend radiographs (X-rays) if there is additional information to be learned that might affect his recommendation for your treatment.
3. Dr. Budd will then perform an examination to determine what your treatment options would be given your specific orthodontic needs. He will create a smile design recommendation for you and answer any questions you might have about the recommendations.
4. You will receive information regarding the cost of your proposed treatment, any insurance coverage, payment options including payment plans, and available appointment times for starting treatment if treatment is recommended.

Give us a call if we can be of service!  We look forward to meeting you!

Most people think of orthodontic treatment in terms of making crooked teeth straight or aligning the teeth. This is an important part of braces or Invisalign and the part of treatment that most patients get very excited about. However, most patients need more than just alignment of the teeth in order to achieve an ideal result and the most esthetic, healthiest smile possible. This is the role that orthodontic elastics or rubber bands play in orthodontic treatment.  Elastics correct the bite and braces or Invisalign straighten the teeth. Well-aligned teeth look much better than crooked teeth, but this change alone will leave the teeth not fitting together very well in most cases. Poorly fitting teeth or “bad bites” can contribute to dental decay, periodontal disease, and temporomandibular joint problems over the course of time.

Elastics are the most common bite-corrector used in orthodontic treatment.  They can be used to create a similar effect to headgear or other appliances, but are a lot more comfortable and simple to wear. Most patients will need to wear elastics full-time (22 hours/day) to create the desired effect in a timely manner.  The elastics are removed and a fresh set of elastics is placed four times per day. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and before bedtime.) You simply remove them to eat and put new elastics into your mouth after you are done eating.

Elastics will change the way your bite fits together, which highlights the importance of who you choose to help you with your orthodontic treatment. Elastics worn incorrectly can cause a number of dental problems including tooth loss. Orthodontists are specifically trained in this type of treatment.  Only 6% of dentists are actually trained orthodontists, so make sure the doctor helping you with your treatment is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists.  Give Budd Orthodontics a call today if we can be of service to you.

Retainers are a critical part of your orthodontic  treatment.  If your retainer was fitting well the day you received it from your orthodontist and now does not feel like it is fitting properly, it is important to determine why that may be.

If a retainer was fitting well at the initial placement and now feels tight and is causing you pain, it is generally one of two problems. The retainer has either been deformed in some way or the teeth have moved. A retainer should not deform or change shape with normal use, but there are ways that a retainer can be damaged and deformed other than your dog chewing it up or accidentally stepping on it. Here in Arizona, I have seen retainers left in a hot car in the brutal summer heat become slightly warped. Cleaning a retainer in extremely hot water (boiling or close to it) can also have a similar effect.

When a retainer feels tight and makes your teeth sore, most of the time it is because you have not been wearing it enough. Even a slight movement that is hard to visually see with your eyes can be enough to make your retainer feel tight.  The easiest solution for this problem is to go back to wearing your retainer full-time for a few days to a few weeks (depending on how much time you have missed wearing it) to get back on track.  The teeth will generally mold back to the shape of the retainer and the soreness and tightness will go away. Be careful though – you can reach a “point-of-no-return” in which the teeth have moved so much that the retainer no longer fits and you will have to realign your teeth with braces or Invisalign. If you are having problems with a retainer, please give us a call. We would be happy to help you determine the best path forward.

Patients will often ask me how orthodontists can move teeth. The process is really quite simple – we stimulate teeth to move by applying a constant, gentle pressure to the teeth. This force acting on the teeth stimulates the bone around the roots of the teeth to remodel.  The remodeled bone allows the tooth to move to a new position within the jaw and voila! – your tooth is now straighter.

How the force is applied to the tooth is important in determining the direction and rate of movement. With Invisalign aligners, one of the challenges of moving teeth can be making the aligner apply the correct force to the tooth in the correct direction.  Invisalign aligners do not grip teeth the same way braces do because the aligners are removable and slip on and off the teeth. Aligners are not bonded to the teeth like braces. While this is convenient, it also makes it challenging to apply the correct forces to the teeth for tooth movement. One of the ways we have created a work-around for the limitations of Invisalign is by bonding attachments to the teeth.   Attachments are little tooth-colored bumps bonded to the teeth. The attachments give the aligner a “handle” to grip the tooth and move it more efficiently like conventional braces would. This allows Invisalign aligners to get closer to the quality and speed of treatment results you might achieve with conventional braces by allowing for a better grip on the teeth and therefore more difficult tooth movements.

If you are interested in improving your smile and self-confidence, please contact our office and we would be happy to discuss treatment options with you to find out what would be the best way for you to achieve a beautiful, attractive and confident smile.

Many of us have seen the pictures from many years ago when patients had braces that featured metal bands wrapping around every tooth  and headgear was the primary method of treating anyone with an overbite.

Has anything changed in the last 20 years when it comes to orthodontic treatment?  The simple answer is YES – most definitely! The list of changes is probably too long to consider in one blog post, but here are just 3 few of the most significant changes to orthodontics in the past few years:

1. Prevalence of clear braces options including ceramic braces and Invisalign aligners
2. 3D Scanning and printing
3. Digital treatment planning and simulations

Invisalign has become a household word as clear aligner therapy has made orthodontic treatment a reality for those unwilling or unable to wear traditional braces.  For those patients who are not good candidates for clear aligners, treatment with clear braces has become a popular option as well.  These developments have removed the stigma of orthodontic treatment for a lot of patients and made the overall process more enjoyable – especially for adult orthodontic patients.

3D scanning and printing have also made orthodontic treatment a much more pleasant experience for patients.  Anyone with a sensitive gag reflex can appreciate the convenience of not having a goopy mouthful of impression material placed in a tray and stuffed into your mouth.  3D scanning and printing has become increasingly more common, and its effect on orthodontists has been significant.  Our office has really enjoyed being able to offer this service to our patients using the Itero Digital Scanner which links seamlessly with Invisalign treatment to reduce the time it takes to get aligners manufactured and ready for patient use. In literally about 4 minutes, we can have a complete 3D image of your entire mouth.

In addition, within seconds after the scan is complete, we now have the ability to simulate what your teeth would look like after completing a digital treatment plan simulation.  This powerful technology helps patients visualize in real time the potential benefits of orthodontic treatment for each individual patient.

If you live in Phoenix or Scottsdale and are looking for a great orthodontist or just need more information regarding orthodontic treatment, we are here to help.  Please call our office at 602-493-3338 or contact us online.

Most of us associate orthodontics exclusively with the straightening of our teeth. This is a logical association, but the truth is that the importance and influence of orthodontics extends beyond straight teeth and an improved smile. Dr. John Budd and the staff of Phoenix and Scottsdale-based Budd Orthodontics remind our patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale and throughout the Valley of the Sun that proper orthodontia elicits a number of health benefits that will serve you well moving forward. If you’re a candidate for a visit to the orthodontist, a better understanding of these benefits may inspire you to schedule that visit sooner than later.

Tooth Decay and Periodontal Disease – properly aligned teeth can prevent certain physical health problems, and tooth decay and periodontal disease are central among them. In terms of tooth decay, untreated orthodontic issues may exacerbate this issue. Simply put, properly aligned teeth are easier to keep clean and collect less plaque. Should plaque and tartar continue to build up in your mouth, you may be at risk of developing gingivitis and, eventually, periodontal (gum) disease. Should this condition worsen, certain teeth may become loose or have to be removed.

As you can see, even if you are making an effort to keep your teeth clean, their misalignment may render your diligence in this area ineffective. Thus the importance of scheduling an appointment with your local orthodontist to make sure your teeth are properly aligned.

Fracture or Injury – protruding upper teeth are more at risk of being broken or fractured in an accident than properly aligned teeth. Repositioning your teeth via orthodontics can greatly reduce this risk.

Improved Self-Confidence – the truth is that we live in a world in which first impressions are vital. One of the key elements of making a good first impression is your smile, and if your smile is less than stellar your self confidence is certain to be as well. Straightening your teeth is not only a good idea from a physical health standpoint. It also makes us feel more confident in social situations, at work or anywhere else in which we interact with others. Being happy with your smile is important, and a good orthodontist can create that reality for you.

The benefits of orthodontic treatment are ones that keep on giving. If you’ve been putting off scheduling your visit to an orthodontist, you owe it to yourself to call today. For your health and your self-confidence, it makes sense to see an orthodontist and begin the process of properly aligning your teeth.

Walk through any bookstore or have a look through a handful of websites that talk about self-enrichment. Chances are career and personal development advice is readily available. Nearing the top of almost every list is how appearance counts. Regardless of whether your idea of success is career-driven or in relation to nurturing personal relationships, the unfortunate truth is that many people will often overlook you if you do not “look the part.”

This particular train of thought indicates that healthy-looking and aesthetically-pleasing smiles can help make or break a first encounter. After analyzing multiple studies, an article^[1] featured in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics noted that, if a person presents themselves in a more professional manner regarding attire and overall levels of appearance, they were likely to be perceived as having higher IQs and be more successful in a job hunt. These studies also revealed the increased likelihood of positive outcomes in relation to career prospects, salary, and relationships - even if they were facing convictions for civil or criminal crimes^[2].

Why is this though? When and why did physical appearance become such a substantial determining factor for success? The answer lies in self-confidence and the projection of who a person is. Malocclusions and other oral health issues harbor psychological effects on individuals. For example, did you know that many people with crooked teeth feel embarrassed to smile, hold a conversation, or even eat in front of others?

According to a study by the American Association of Orthodontists^[3], young and mature adults were often more antisocial if they were in need of orthodontic care. This study described how malocclusion can lead to a gradually more negative outlook, plus an inherent embarrassment regarding oral health and/or general appearance^[4]. Consequently, if a smile alone is an undeniable portrayal of positive self-confidence, then it is understandable how it can influence other areas of your life, including if you are hoping to achieve a promotion or discovering a new dating prospect.

At Budd Orthodontics, our staff works with a wide variety of patients, from children to teens and adults. In recent years, we have seen a rise in adults seeking orthodontic care given that appearance matters. Adults are actively seeking ways to actively improve their youthfulness and venues for success in their personal lives. Fears and vanity are common when it comes to personal success.

Our question to you is, why wait? Whether you are seeking college approval, an entry-level position, climbing the professional ladder or seeking a romantic partner, there are many reasons to straighten your smile. At Budd Orthodontics, both of our offices are located near Arizona State Route 51 for your convenience. Schedule your free intial consultation or learn more about the cost of braces or Invisalign today!

^[1] Henson, Scott T. Steven J Lindauer, W. Grham Gardner, Bhvana Shroff, Eser Tufekci and Al M Best. “Influence of Dental Esthetics on Social Perceptions of Adolescents Judged by Peers.” April 2010; July 2010. American Association of Orthodontists. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Vol. 140.3.
^[2]Ibid.
^[3] Hassan, Ali H. and Hatem El-Sayed Amin. “Association of Orthodontic Treatment Needs and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Young Adults.” October 2007; February 2008. American Association of Orthodontists. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Vol. 137.1.
^[4]Ibid.

A frequent concern of many parents who notice that their child's teeth are not growing in correctly is - when is the right time to see the orthodontist?  The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be seen for an initial screening exam at age 7.  Phoenix orthodontist Dr. John Budd explains that many children will not require treatment at this age. However, many of the permanent adult teeth will have started to erupt by this age and more significant problems can be discovered and avoided with timely orthodontic treatment.

Some of the problems that might require treatment at an earlier stage, sometimes referred to as Phase I treatment include: crossbites, underbites (the lower teeth in front of the upper teeth), severe crowding, bites that present a risk of damage to the gum tissue or severely protrusive teeth to give a few examples.  An orthodontist can determine which problems will benefit from preventive treatment and which can wait for the eruption of all the adult teeth.

The best way to determine if your child would benefit from orthodontic treatment is to see an orthodontist for a screening exam. Budd Orthodontics offers free consultations to assist parents in determining if now is the right time to begin treatment with braces or Invisalign or if waiting for more dental development would be more beneficial.

You often hear people say that a beautiful smile will open doors of opportunity. But is this really true? Will it really help you find a job? This topic may be something a lot of people are thinking about given the recent huge increase in unemployment due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the answer is a definitive yes.

In this study, which was published in the October 2014 issue, ten patients had their photographs taken prior to orthodontic treatment and then digitally altered to simulate orthodontic correction of the teeth. The altered and unaltered photographs were then presented to 100 persons responsible for hiring staff for commercial companies.  Those responsible for hiring were asked to evaluate their impressions of the patients likelihood of being hired, their honesty, intelligence and efficiency at work. On average, patients with ideal dental aesthetics were evaluated as superior with respect to intelligence and likelihood of being hired compared to those with non-ideal dental aesthetics. There was no significant difference in the characteristics of honesty and efficiency observed in this study.  The findings of the study concluded patients with ideal smiles are considered more intelligent and have a greater chance of finding a job when compared with persons with non-ideal smiles.

I thought this study was fascinating because in our office we often talk about orthodontic treatment helping patients feel more confident and proud of their smile, but it is interesting to see proof of the tangible benefits that orthodontic treatment can provide.

If you would like a free orthodontic consultation to evaluate your need for our services, we invite you to visit Budd Orthodontics online to see our locations, treatment options, patient results and more!

The big day has finally arrived!  After several months and sometimes a couple of years in orthodontic treatment, you are done with your Invisalign or braces!  Woohoo!! However, it is important to understand that your orthodontic treatment is not yet finished.  Taking your braces off and then just walking out the door would be like getting your car washed and waxed and then driving out into a rainstorm full of muddy puddles.

Invisalign and braces move teeth in your mouth by applying a consistent gentle pressure to the roots of your teeth which stimulates the bone around your teeth to remodel.  This is what allows orthodontists to straighten your teeth.  When your braces are removed, the bone around the roots of your teeth is not yet fully “set”.  Removing braces and not wearing retainers would be similar to breaking your arm and then not putting a cast on it while it healed.  If you do this, the bone may not heal in its proper place.

When braces are first removed, the teeth are somewhat unstable and need to time to stabilize into their final position. This is what makes retainers such an important part of orthodontic treatment.  Retainers “retain” teeth in their final position.  Most patients need to wear retainers full-time for at least a few weeks after getting their braces or Invisalign off to allow their teeth to stabilize. After a period of time, your orthodontist will tell you when it is OK to reduce the amount of time that you wear your retainers.  The amount of time can vary between patients depending on where your teeth started. Teeth never reach a point where they are 100% stable because of all the forces constantly being applied to your teeth by chewing, talking, and swallowing.  However, most patients can get to the point where they just wear their retainers at night while they sleep to keep their teeth looking straight and fitting well.  Your orthodontist can guide you through the process of getting your braces off to make sure you have a beautiful smile for the rest of your life.

Patients frequently arrive at my Phoenix orthodontic office wanting to know what options are available nowadays for treatment with braces.  While there are many different manufacturers of orthodontic products in the U.S., most of them offer the same categories of braces with very minor variations.

Standard Metal Braces- This is the most common type of braces with our younger patients and by far the most common in general.  They offer excellent strength and durability while sacrificing a little bit on esthetics.  This type of braces is also usually the most cost-effective.

Clear braces or “Invisible” braces – This type of braces is often confused with Invisalign, which is a very different treatment from clear braces.  Clear braces are made of porcelain (similar to the material used to make tooth crowns or caps) and are the most popular option with adult patients who are not candidates for Invisalign treatment.  Many orthodontic offices charge slightly more for this type of braces due to the higher cost of the material.  It is an excellent option for patients looking for excellent treatment results while maintaining the highest possible esthetics.

Lingual braces- This type of braces is placed on the inside of your teeth (near your tongue) instead of the outside of the your teeth.  The draw of this type of braces is that they are literally invisible to the casual observer.  However, you may sacrifice some comfort for this method of treatment compared to other available options and this type of braces also tends to be one of the most expensive due to the additional instruments, wires, and materials that must be used with this type of braces.

Self-ligating braces- There are both clear and metal versions of this type of braces.  The difference between self-ligating braces and standard metal and clear braces is that self-ligating braces do not require ties (the colors that kids choose to hold the wire against the brace).  These braces are sometimes thought to be a  little easier to keep clean and you don’t have to worry about discolored ties. It was once believed that this type of braces reduced the amount of time you would need to spend in treatment by reducing friction.  However, there have been several studies published that have shown that assumption to be false.

Invisalign- Invisalign is actually a series of clear plastic aligners – not braces – that are formed to the teeth.  Each successive set of aligners is worn for approximately one to two weeks and will gradually align the teeth.  While there are limitations to what aligners can do compared to braces, for the right candidate Invisalign can be an excellent treatment option.

Your smile plays a large role in how others perceive you. Straight teeth and a smile you are proud of helps you to feel your best and promotes self-confidence.  If you did not get braces to straighten your teeth in your early childhood or teenage years, it is not too late. Age is never a contraindication to orthodontic treatment.

Adult orthodontic treatment is one of the fastest growing segments of orthodontics.  There are very few clinical reasons why someone might want to postpone orthodontic treatment.  Active periodontal disease is the primary reason and this can be resolved to allow someone to receive the treatment they desire. At Budd Orthodontics, we have several patients in their 50's, 60's and 70's receiving orthodontic treatment. They are thrilled to finally have a smile they enjoy looking at in the mirror.

Options for adult treatment include Invisalign, clear braces, or even traditional braces. Budd Orthodontics offers free consultations to determine the need for treatment, what treatment options would be best for your specific case, and determine what your out-of-pocket cost for treatment would be. Please give us a call.  We look forward to meeting you!

Retainers are the most important aspect of orthodontic treatment. If retainers are not properly worn, all your hard work to achieve the perfect smile and a healthy bite using braces or Invisalign can simply go to waste.  One important aspect of maintaining your retainers is keeping them clean and free of the harmful buildup of the acid-producing bacteria found in dental plaque (the white fuzzy stuff that collects on your teeth when you don’t brush well). The easiest way to prevent this from happening is to gently brush your retainers with your toothbrush and toothpaste every time you brush your teeth.

In general, if you are brushing your retainers as often as you brush your teeth, your retainers will stay relatively clean and free of bacteria buildup.  If you are “out and about” and don’t have access to your toothbrush, you should gently rinse your retainers with clean water and then brush them when you do have access to a toothbrush and toothpaste.  This will prevent the proteins and minerals in your saliva from drying on the retainer and creating what might be referred to as “hard water” stains on your retainer.

When you are no longer wearing your retainer full-time and only while you sleep, a thorough cleaning in the morning after waking up should be sufficient to keep your retainers looking like new.  Sometimes despite your best efforts, you will start to get some buildup collecting on your retainers.  The best way to get back on track is to soak the retainers in a denture cleaner like  Efferdent or Polydent or a generic equivalent.  These cleaners are specifically designed for the materials that retainers are made of. However, if you have a retainer with solder joints (rarely used in our office), make sure you use a non-persulfate cleanser like Dentasoak instead of Efferdent or Polydent. Please do not use household cleaners like bleach or other abrasive cleaners on your retainers.  This is dangerous if there is any residual cleaner left on the retainer and will be harmful to the retainer itself over time. 

Follow these simple guidelines, and you should have a happy and healthy mouth for many years to come.

Orthodontic health can be defined as a healthy, active smile that is aesthetically pleasing, with teeth and jaws in good alignment.  October is orthodontic health month and a chance to focus on why orthodontic treatment can be a life-enhancing – even life-changing experience.  Have you ever known someone who covers their mouth when they start to laugh?  Whenever I see this happen, I feel bad for the person who is obviously embarrassed by their smile.  Of all the things about our health and appearance, crooked teeth are one of the easiest things to change and the one of the most powerful changes to observe.  And with good retainer wear, it is permanent!  Teeth don’t get wrinkled or saggy and with proper care and maintenance they will be beautiful for a lifetime.

You also don’t have to feel like you are being vain by seeking out orthodontic treatment.  Unlike some other cosmetically oriented procedures – orthodontic treatment actually improves the health of your teeth.  Well-aligned teeth and jaws have a lower risk of fracture, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.  Straight teeth are literally healthier than crooked teeth.  A beautiful smile does require braces or Invisalign in most cases – there are very few of us who are born with perfectly aligned teeth.  While the process of getting to that final amazing smile can take a bit of time and effort, it is well worth it.  Give Budd Orthodontics in Phoenix a call and let us get you on the path to a better you.  You will be so glad you did.  Happy Orthodontic Health Month!

Two-phase orthodontic treatment generally means that part of the orthodontic treatment is completed while the patient still has some baby teeth.  This part of the treatment is referred to as Phase I and is usually completed sometime between ages 7-10.  After the eruption of the remaining adult teeth, the second phase of orthodontic treatment involving full upper and lower braces is completed.  This part of the treatment is referred to as Phase II. The idea behind this type of treatment is that some of the more severe orthodontic problems can be treated more effectively by treating them in two stages.

Some examples of problems that can be treated effectively by doing two-phase orthodontic treatment are:

• Creating spacing for severely crowded teeth or repositioning teeth that are developing incorrectly
• Creating facial balance through influencing jaw growth
• Reducing the risk of fracture or uneven wear to protruding teeth or teeth in crossbite
• Preserving space for teeth that have not erupted
• Correcting harmful habits like thumb sucking
• Preventing damage to gum tissue around teeth that are erupting outside of a normal position

The type of appliances that are used in Phase I while patients still have baby teeth varies a lot.  It can be as simple as a special retainer to correct one tooth that is really crooked or as complicated as partial upper and lower braces with a palatal expander.  If a Phase I treatment has already been completed, Phase II is generally more straightforward involving traditional braces or Invisalign as most of the more severe orthodontic problems have already been corrected in Phase I treatment.  Minor problems like mild spacing or crowding, mild overbites, and mild to moderate misalignment can generally be treated just as effectively with a single phase treatment at around age 11-13 depending on the age of eruption of the adult teeth.

The simple answer is yes. There are two main reasons why. First, your gums have little elastic fibers in them that attach to the teeth. There is actually a protein in your gums called elastin. The elastic fibers in your gums act like little rubber bands. When you straighten a crooked tooth, the elastic fibers get stretched out and want to recoil to their original positions. These fibers “remember” where the teeth were before treatment began and are the main cause of teeth getting crooked again after orthodontic treatment. By the way, a common misconception is that wisdom teeth are what cause your orthodontic treatment to relapse.  This is actually not true - patients who were born without wisdom teeth have the same amount of orthodontic relapse.

Second, teeth naturally tend to move and adjust as you age – regardless of whether you have had orthodontic treatment or not – unless you are wearing retainers.
If you stopped wearing your retainer and your teeth have shifted, all is not lost. Straightening teeth the second time around tends to be easier and faster. A lot of the work was already done the first time around. Invisalign is a great option for those who have had previous treatment with braces but have had some orthodontic relapse. Bonded fixed retainers are a nice option for holding teeth in position for the long term. Check out our website to learn more about retainers.

Remember, it’s easy to slip your retainers in at night before you go to bed to keep your smile straight and beautiful. If you make retainers part of your nighttime routine, you can enjoy beautiful, straight teeth for the rest of your life. If you have had some relapse, please give us a call to get your smile back on track. You’ll be happy you did!

The process by which teeth move is complicated, and many books have been written on the subject. However, there are a few general principles that will help you understand what is happening or will happen in your mouth. Both braces and Invisalign apply a very small, gentle push against crooked teeth which “wakes up” the cells in your jaw bones to make the roots around your crooked teeth start to straighten out.

There are two very important cells in your body that are mostly responsible for remodeling bone – an osteoclast and an osteoblast. The osteoclast is like a pac-man cell that eats bone. The osteoblast does the opposite – it builds bone. Together they work as a team to remodel the bone around the roots of your teeth. This is how an orthodontist changes your teeth from being crooked teeth to straight teeth.

By the way, teeth don’t know what is pushing against them. The “pushing” can be done by braces, Invisalign®, chewing on a pen, sucking on your thumb, or biting your nails. Things like braces and Invisalign® tend to push the teeth in the direction we want them to go (straight) while things like thumb sucking or constantly chewing on a pen tend to make teeth more crooked.

Now that you know more about how teeth move, you can focus on doing those things that will make your teeth straight and beautiful and avoid doing the things that will make them crooked.

Braces have come a long way in the last 20 years. Pictures of patients with large, ugly metal rings on every tooth are now found in the history books. One of the more recent developments in orthodontic treatment, especially adult orthodontic treatment, that has caused a lot of excitement in recent years is Invisalign or clear aligners.

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Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that straighten your teeth a little bit at a time. This reduces the discomfort felt from moving the teeth into alignment and allows patients to easily brush and floss their teeth because the aligners are removable. There are also no diet restrictions with Invisalign because the aligners are removed while you are eating. Not to mention, they are nearly invisible when placed on your teeth. Invisalign allows patients who would never consider traditional braces to be potential candidates for orthodontic treatment.

The other side of the coin with Invisalign is that removable aligners don’t work well if they are always being removed. You have to wear the aligners literally 22 hours/day for the treatment to be effective. There are also some limits to what Invisalign can do compared to traditional braces for certain bite problems. It is important to see an orthodontist who is an expert in orthodontic treatment as an “Invisalign Certification” can be acquired in one weekend and does not an expert make.

In our office we offer complimentary initial exams and can tell you whether or not you would be a good candidate for Invisalign treatment and answer any questions you might have. If you are interested, come and check it out! We look forward to meeting you.

This may be the most common question I am asked as an orthodontist.  In the digital world that we live in, we have all become accustomed to having things the minute or even the second we want them. While the average length of orthodontic treatment has been significantly reduced as a result of developments in technology over the years, orthodontic treatment is still usually measured in months and sometimes years, not in days or weeks.

Asking how long braces will be on for is like asking how long it will take to drive to San Diego.  Are you leaving from Philadelphia or from Phoenix?  How long it takes to arrive at your destination depends a lot on where you are leaving from.  The same is true for orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign.  The severity of the bite problems that are in place at the beginning of treatment will significantly affect how long it takes to get to the end of treatment.  Treatment can be as short as a few weeks or as long as a few years depending on the severity of the bite problem to begin with.  We can drive a faster car to shave down the time we spend in the car, but no matter how fast the car is you still have to obey the speed limit and it is still going to take a while.

The “bottleneck” in orthodontic treatment is the rate at which the bone around the roots of the teeth remodels.  Stimulating bone to remodel is how we move teeth with braces.  While there are techniques to speed up this process, bone remodeling is still a relatively slow process.  This is the same reason you have to have a cast on a broken arm for several weeks to allow the bone to set in the proper position.  So hang in there and know that your braces will come off as soon as your smile is perfect.  Good things come to those who wait!  If you have questions about how long braces might take in your individual case, please contact our office at Budd Orthodontics for a free consultation.

Some orthodontists have a very specific list of what foods you can eat and what foods you cannot eat that is given to patients at the beginning of treatment.  Personally, I give a list of the foods we most often have problems with but try to avoid long detailed lists and focus more on principles to follow that will minimize any complications with treatment.  This approach was inspired by a patient who once came in with a broken brace who had been asked to avoid Hot Tamales but instead ate Mike and Ike’s – a different flavor of the same candy!

The “glue” that is used to place the braces is designed to be strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of chewing, but not so strong that it damages the teeth when the braces are removed. Some of the braces can get loose when really hard or sticky foods are eaten which acts as a safety mechanism to protect the teeth. We would much rather have a brace come loose than have part of a tooth break or fracture. This is the reason for the need to be a little careful about what you eat while wearing braces.

I simply tell patients that anything really hard or sticky should be avoided, but we don’t expect you to eat soup for the duration of your treatment.  Ice chewers and taffy lovers are going to have problems.  However, most foods can be eaten without any problems with some simple modifications – corn on the cob should be removed from the cob first, apples should be sliced before eaten, etc.

One of the major advantages of Invisalign treatment compared to traditional braces is that there are no diet restrictions because the Invisalign aligners are removable.  If you are not a candidate for Invisalign, however, you will find that with a little creativity most of your favorite foods will work well with your braces.

One side note on gum chewing – I actually encourage chewing an occasional piece of sugarless gum in my office because the chewing stimulates the flow of saliva which protects the teeth from decay. There also are studies that have shown if sugarless gum is chewed immediately after the placement of braces, it stimulates the blood flow around the roots of the teeth and helps reduce soreness.  There is a small risk that the gum can shift the wires in the initial stages of treatment, but the potential benefits far outweigh the potential hazards.  In summary, any concerns you have about what you can eat during your orthodontic treatment should be laid to rest.  You can achieve the beautiful smile you want with very little inconvenience.  Please contact Budd Orthodontics to schedule a free consultation and we can review the options that will work best for your own treatment.

The simple, honest answer to this question is – a little bit – but not as much as you might think.  The same is true for Invisalign or any other appliance that moves your teeth to a new position in your smile. Any discomfort experienced while wearing braces I like to compare to someone who has not exercised in a while and then goes for a jog one morning.  The next day this person is going to be a little achy but with a level of discomfort that is manageable and will quickly go away.

Braces have come a long way in the last twenty years.  It was not very long ago that nearly all the wires used to straighten teeth as part of orthodontic treatment were made out of steel – a very stiff, unforgiving metal that was effective but not very gentle.  Most orthodontists now begin treatment using a newer metal that is a titanium alloy.  These soft “memory” wires can be deformed (to fit into braces on crooked teeth) and return to their original shape (to straighten them) using a very small, gentle force that is perfect for straightening teeth. Invisalign® is also a great option and “kind” to the patient because it is made up of a series of aligners that will move the teeth on average only 0.25 millimeters over a two-week period – a very small, gradual movement for that time interval.

Modern orthodontic treatment is gentle, comfortable and a worthwhile investment in YOU! Please don’t let any concerns about how treatment will feel prevent you from achieving the smile you want and deserve. Speaking from the perspective of someone who has had braces once as a child and again as an adult, (I didn’t wear my retainer!) I can tell you it is definitely worth it. Please contact us to schedule a free consultation with Budd Orthodontics.

Your child’s dentist has called you into the office to recommend orthodontic care for your child. While your child is all smiles, enjoying their sugar-free treat or sticker, your head is spinning with common orthodontic-related questions. This guide may help you explore the world of child orthodontics.

Why an orthodontist and not my routine dentist?
As aforementioned in an earlier blog, orthodontists receive additional training beyond that required to become a dentist. The extra residency training adds on two to three years of orthodontic expertise. The residency training is additionally backed by the American Dental Association, and orthodontists become members of the American Association of Orthodontists upon completion of their residency training. Most dentists receive very little training in dental school related to orthodontics.  This makes specialty training particularly important in the field of orthodontics.

Did I do something wrong with my child’s teeth? Should I have done something differently to prevent the need for braces?
Every mouth is different, and while some habits can play a part in teeth development problems, orthodontic problems are mostly a cause of genetics or unforeseen developmental issues. Orthodontic treatment can also be completed as interceptive treatment. It can help correct crowded teeth, jaw growth or development problems, ectopic tooth growth, gaps, overbites, late-bloomer tooth eruption and more.

What age do I need to start my child’s treatment?
While your dentist monitors your child’s teeth and jaw development, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that each child have an initial orthodontic consultation when your child is seven years old. Most initial consultations are free or reduced cost. The assessment is intended to be educational, not a scare tactic. If your child is not ready for treatment or has no need of treatment at that time, your orthodontist will typically continue to monitor their development until all of their adult teeth are fully erupted.

 

How long can I expect my child to need corrective dental care?
Just like stated earlier, every case is different because of the variety of orthodontic problems that need to be considered. Most children, however, complete their orthodontic care within about two years. Upon the completion of braces, it is highly recommended to wear a retainer to continue to hold the teeth in their final position. Many adults require orthodontic treatment a second time even if they already had treatment as a child because they stopped wearing a retainer. Bonus: If there was early orthodontic care in your child’s life, the second phase of treatment will usually be a shorter time frame.

What are braces going to cost me?
Each child has individualized needs, and those costs are approximated at their initial consultation. Invisalign and clear braces provide additional options to traditional metal braces, so the cost can vary significantly depending on the treatment options chosen.
Money-saving tips:
1. Get second opinions
2. Look for incentives including low-interest financing and discounts for payment in full.
3. Compare insurance plans and get the plan which provides the best orthodontic benefits by seeing an in-network provider.

Orthodontic treatment does not have to overwhelm you. We welcome any inquiries, and you can trust us to be honest with you. We welcome second opinions because we feel confident in the value we provide to our patients for their orthodontic treatment. We provide free initial consultations and are happy to discuss treatment options with you.  We ultimately are here for you and your child to help you be healthier  and achieve your dream smile.

Budd Orthodontics services both Phoenix and Scottsdale and focuses on child and adult orthodontics.  For your free consultation, call either the Phoenix location at 602.956.4530 or the Scottsdale location at 602.493.3338 to reserve your appointment time!

Do you know the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist? There are many among us who may answer that question with a blank stare. The question is important, because orthodontists bring a specific set of skills, education and training to the table that allow them to provide the services they do. All orthodontists are dentists but not all dentists are orthodontists. Only six percent of dentists go on to become orthodontists. Providing braces or Invisalign as part of the services available in a dental office does not mean those services are provided by an orthodontist. Dr. John Budd and the staff of Phoenix-based Budd Orthodontics would like to help answer the question at hand for prospective patients in Phoenix and Scottsdale. So what exactly is an orthodontist?

All orthodontists complete an additional 2-3 years of residency training in addition to the four years of training required to become a general dentist. This additional experience makes them specially qualified to give you the most beautiful, healthy smile possible. This additional training is accredited by the American Dental Association and entitles the dentist to be a member of the American Association of Orthodontists if completed at an accredited university.

Once this additional training has been completed, the orthodontist will have the requisite skills to treat the misalignment of teeth and facial development through the use of braces, Invisalign, retainers and other methods. Depending on the goals of each patient, orthodontic treatment may be carried out for purely aesthetic reasons in order to improve the appearance of the patient’s teeth or for the health benefits created by having a well-aligned bite. Orthodontists also work with oral surgeons to carry out facial reconstruction in order to fix jaw abnormalities.

If you or a loved one needs braces or Invisalign, or requires some other form of orthodontic care, contact Dr. Budd and his friendly staff. They will provide a free consultation to discuss your orthodontic needs. Straighter, properly aligned teeth not only look better and give you more self-confidence, they also prevent health problems such as tooth decay and periodontal disease. Go ahead – make your smile the best it can be.