Patricia Mendez, DMD

Unfortunately retainers are used once the orthodontic treatment is completed or when there is a need to preserve any space to prevent significant space loos or dental shift/movement. Retainer are not intended to align teeth. To correct the position of your teeth and based on the recommendations of the Orthodontist or specialist will be with Braces, Invisaling or Surgery. But you will need a Comprehensive Orthodontic Evaluation to provide the best treatment option.

Post operative recommendations after extractions:
1. Do not use a straw. Suction may break down blood clots that help your mouth heal and promotes bleeding and delays hemostasis.
2. Do not rinse your mouth with rinses that contains alcohol, will irritate your soft tissue. Your doctor may recommend rinsing gently with saltwater or Peridex (prescribed mouthrinse antibacterial).
3. Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that may traumatize your affected tissue/wounds.
4. Do not smoke. Smoking can slow your healing and may provoke a Dry Socket.
5. Avoid high impact activities.
6. Avoid alcohol for the first 3 days. Drinking alcohol can increase the chances of developing a dry socket, alcohol can stop blood clot formation or can dislodge it.

Definitely can loosen if you are not using the appropriate devices/instruments or flossing with the appropriate technique with excessive force or pressure. Recommendations will be using the Superfloss, Floss Threaders or Waterpik Water Flosser with the Orthodontic Tip. You should follow all the recommendations given by your specialist.

According to the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry the first dental appointment should be after the eruption of the first baby teeth no later than 12 months of age.

The best recommendation will be brushing right after any meals or snacks. If the patient present close and tight contact between her primary teeth you will need a floss to remove any food particle left. If your daughter is giving you a hard time for oral hygiene you should follow any directions of your child's dentist or primary care provider.

It will depend which tooth needs the crown? Must be considered the reason and needs to have a crown. If the tooth that needs the crown will be needed as an abutment. Without a clinical exam and radiographs we cannot diagnose or indicate any specific treatment.
You must need a Comprehensive Orthodontic and Prosthodontic Evaluation, the specialists will indicate your needs based on your findings.

Flossing should start when your child has 2 teeth that touch (closed tight contacts). This is often around ages 2 to 3. Always floss under the direction of your child's dentist or primary care provider and you should supervise your child during oral hygiene routines. Before this age, flossing is not needed unless indicated by a specialist.

You should keep all your appointments, follow all the indications as needed, should be compliance with your oral hygiene, keeping your recalls appointment up to date every 6 months (twice a year). Your Orthodontist or specialist will keep you updated every time about any changes. Also you can compare before and after pictures and you will notice drastic changes throughout your comprehensive treatment.

Bleeding is a sign that the patient is not having an appropriate oral hygiene and is developing Gingivitis. Patient probably is not brushing properly and is not practicing the adequate brushing technique. Also Puberty gingivitis is most common in preadolescent boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 13. It is typically the result of a combination of elevated hormone levels, which increase the response of gingival tissues to accumulated dental plaque, and poor oral hygiene habits. It is recommended that the patient should increase the frequency of recalls appointments, instead of coming every 6 months should be every 3 months to control the diseases and to monitor patient compliance.

Mouthguards will protect your teeth, will work as a shock absorber for your teeth to relief from any major occlusal forces. The best mouthguard are the custom made done by a Dentist. There are over the counter but sometime does not fit properly as intended. Will be recommend to have an evaluation with your dentist or primary care provider.