How are Braces Removed from Teeth?

It’s official. You have undergone months, or perhaps years, of orthodontic treatment in the form of dental braces and now the glorious moment has come to finally have them removed. Understanding the process that our doctors at Dr. Shireen Malik, D.D.S., at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center will follow to remove your braces will help you better know what to expect when the time comes.

The removal of braces is a relatively quick and painless procedure and they must be removed in the reverse order from how they were applied. Therefore, the small elastic bands that are placed on each bracket to hold the wiring system in place must be taken off first. To do this, Dr. Shireen Malik, D.D.S. will use a small dental instrument with a hook to carefully remove each band.

After the elastic bands are removed, Dr. Shireen Malik, D.D.S. will use small pliers to gently detach the wire from the groove on top of each bracket and from the anchor bands that may be located on the back molars.  She will then use special pliers to squeeze and remove each bracket individually. Because the separation of the bracket and tooth occurs at the point where the bracket met the adhesive keeping it in place, a residue will remain on the tooth until it is polished and cleaned.

After the removal of your braces, Dr. Shireen Malik, D.D.S. will discuss the need for you to continue orthodontic treatment in the form of permanent or temporary retainers. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shireen Malik, D.D.S., at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call 215-279-1193.

Application of Clear Braces

It’s time to start your orthodontic treatment and this begins with the application of your clear braces. After Dr. Shireen Malik, D.D.S., at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center thoroughly cleans and dries your teeth, the application process can range anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the individual case and the cooperation of all bonding materials. In case you were wondering how braces are applied step-by-step, allow us to explain.

First, the teeth are polished with a non-flavored paste and a cheek retractor is placed to provide a dry field that makes it easier to visualize the teeth. The teeth are lightly air-dried, and a conditioner is placed onto the front surfaces of the teeth for about 30 seconds. The conditioner is then rinsed and the teeth are again dried using suction and air. After this step, a primer is painted onto the teeth. The bonding cement is placed onto the back sides of the braces, which are then placed onto the teeth. The brackets are then placed in a very precise position onto the teeth, and excess bonding cement is removed. The process is completed by removing the cheek retractor and placing the wires.

If you desire a straighter smile and would like to discuss your orthodontic options, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shireen Malik, D.D.S., at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call 215-279-1193.

What is an Underbite?

The main cause of an underbite is a misalignment of the lower jaw, which is usually present at birth. An underbite, clinically called prognathism, is the malocclusion or “bad bite” that happens when the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. Just because your mouth may have this problem doesn’t mean that it’s untreatable. If you have been diagnosed with an underbite, Dr. Shireen Malik, D.D.S., at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center can correct the problem with dental braces.

Although far less common than overbites, underbites still affect 5-10 percent of the population. An extreme underbite can cause facial abnormality, resulting in an extended chin. Additionally, underbites including difficulty with chewing, swallowing and speaking. Underbites may also wear down tooth enamel and increase your chances of developing tooth decay or other dental problems such as TMJ disorder.

If you wish to correct your bite with orthodontic treatment, please give us a call to discuss your options. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shireen Malik, D.D.S., at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call 215-279-1193.

What is an Overbite?

If you have been diagnosed with an overbite, this simply means that your top teeth extend beyond your bottom teeth. It is a common dental problem that Dr. Shireen Malik, D.D.S., at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center can correct with braces. Overbite teeth are considered a type of “bad bite.” It can either be noticeable or unnoticeable, but it some extreme cases it can make your jaw look significantly larger or your bottom jaw look much smaller.

Most often, overbites are inherited as traits just as the color of your eyes or the freckles on your cheeks. Other causes of misaligned bites may result from an early loss of baby or adult teeth, gum disease, or common oral health problems in children, such as thumb sucking. Once Dr. Shireen Malik, D.D.S., confirms your overbite with X-rays, she may take regular photographs of your face to further examine the relationship between the teeth, jaws, and head. From there, an individualized treatment plan will be developed to correct the bite.

If you are concerned about an overbite and would like to discuss orthodontic options, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shireen Malik, D.D.S., at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call 215-279-1193.