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Most of our patients at Bottala Orthodontics will need to wear rubber bands at some point during their orthodontic treatment. The main reason our patients are instructed to wear rubber bands is to correct their bite.  If your teeth are not fitting together properly, Dr. Bottala will recommend that rubber bands be used. Dr. Bottala may also recommend you using rubber bands if to close or open spaces.

Rubber bands are a critical part of your treatment, and wearing them as Dr. Bottala andthe Bottala team recommend will help move your teeth into the desired position. Dr. Bottala may ask you to wear your rubber bands full time, meaning that they should only be taken out when you brush your teeth three times a day, and they should be replaced at this time to keep fresh ones working. Other times, you may be asked to only wear them part time, such as only during the day or only during sleep.

If you still have any questions about orthodontic rubber bands, we are always here to answer any question. You can give us a call or ask us during your next adjustment appointment. Remember, wearing rubber bands is an important step during your treatment, and can reduce the time you have your braces on. If you lose your rubber bands or run out, stop our office or we can also mail them to you.

Protecting your teeth when you play sports is always important.  One out of every three (31%) parents say their child has orthodontic treatment or braces while playing an organized sport. If you wear braces, a guard can protect your mouth and teeth from serious injury and keep your braces from getting damaged.

What type of mouth guard should you use?

Three Types of Mouth Guards

Off-the-Shelf Guards
Pre-formed mouth guards may not fit as accurately as a much more expensive custom appliance made by a dentist. But braces move the teeth (that's the whole point, right?) and a custom-made guard will not fit for very long.

Off-the-shelf guards are often more than enough to provide enough protection for many sports and leisure activities; the brackets attached to the teeth will not be knocked loose or traumatized.  Off-the-shelf guards are made of rubber or polyvinyl materials.

Semi-custom Mouth Guards
These mouth guards can be soaked in warm or hot water so that they change shape and therefore can be adapted to a person's mouth. Sometimes called "boil-and-bite" mouth guards, these appliances are made of thermoplastic or acrylic gel materials and are a little more expensive than off-the shelf type.

Someone with braces would probably NOT want to use this type of mouth guard at all.  The soft plastic cools around the braces and wires; it can then be difficult to remove and may rip brackets loose or distort wires.

Custom-made Mouth Guards
Custom-made mouth guards are the most expensive because a denstist creates a custom mold of the teeth and a guard is then cast from that mold.

With such a tight fit, such mouth guards are generally not recommended for people with braces because they don't allow the teeth to move.  The mouth guard does not easily fit over the brackets and wires attached to the teeth.  And soon the teeth will move and the guard will no longer fit correctly.

Conclusion
Off-the-shelf mouth guards are both the most affordable and useful if you wear braces.  If you want any information on sports mouth guards, please call our office at 909-613-9434.  And remember to play safe!

Have you recently moved, changed your phone number, or changed any of your information that we use to best serve you? If so, be sure to inform us of your changes!

Also, did you know that we have a vibrant social media presence? Have you had a chance to connect with us on Facebook, Pintrest, or YouTube? We’re always looking to stay connected with our patients outside of the office, and our social media networks are an awesome way to see our photos and get some great updates and information!

So, when you have a chance, be sure to visit our website and then connect with us on our social media networks! www.jbbraces.com

Just hearing the word “braces” can take many of us back to junior high — that painful era when we wore unattractive glasses, endured unflattering haircuts, and carried a mouthful of braces to complete the awkward adolescent look. Despite the common assumption that braces are for kids, more and more adults are choosing to pursue orthodontics to correct their smiles.

Braces for Adults

Perhaps you never had braces as a kid and you are embarrassed by your crooked teeth. Or you went through a round of braces a decade ago and stopped wearing your retainer, which allowed your teeth to shift. Whatever your personal history, wearing braces in adulthood is an excellent way to create the straight, beautiful smile you deserve.

What Are My Options?

With recent advances in orthodontic medicine, there are numerous options for adults who need braces. The basic option is traditional metal braces. These are best for individuals who have severely crooked teeth or a significant bite problem, or require other major orthodontic changes. Metal braces are typically the least expensive option. The greatest drawback to wearing metal braces as an adult is aesthetics. Many people find them unattractive and distracting.

If you are a professional who is worried about your personal appearance, clear ceramic braces may be a better choice. Clear braces are capable of handling very crooked teeth or bite issues, but they cost more than metal braces. You also have to be careful about smoking or drinking red wine, soda, and other dark beverages while wearing clear braces. These items may stain the adhesive that binds the brackets to your teeth.

Another popular option for adults who need braces is a clear aligner treatment, such as Invisalign®. This system works in a different way from traditional braces by applying a series of clear, retainer-like aligners. The series is custom made for your teeth, which makes this option more expensive than either metal or ceramic braces. In general, the Invisalign process takes anywhere from three to 18 months to complete. You should be aware that Invisalign is not as effective as traditional braces in treating bite problems, teeth that are lower or higher than others, or severely overcrowded teeth.

Although you may be nervous about the prospect of getting braces as an adult, you should not let your fears stop you from talking with Dr. John Bottala. A consultation at our Chino Hills, CA office will address your concerns and provide information about the best course of treatment for you. No matter what your personal situation, adult braces can be a great way to boost your confidence and create the smile you’ve always dreamed of.