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Celebrate National Orthodontic Health Month by learning more about orthodontists.The purpose of orthodontic treatment is to create a healthy bite — straight teeth that properly meet opposing teeth in the opposite jaw. If your teeth are crowded, protrusive, spaced too far apart, meet in an abnormal way or do not meet at all, correction may be recommended. If you have an abnormal bite your dentist may recommend braces or another orthodontic treatment to straighten out your smile. Correcting the problem can create an awesome-looking smile, but more importantly, orthodontic treatment results in a healthier mouth. A healthy bite makes it easier for you to bite, chew and speak. It also prevents improper wearing of the teeth, tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health problems.

Abnormal bites usually become noticeable between the ages of 6 and 12. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children have a consultation around age 7. Treatment often begins between ages 8 and 14. Treatment that begins while a child is growing helps produce optimal results. In the past, orthodontic treatment was associated with children and teens, but today many adults seek orthodontic treatment. In fact, there are currently more than 1.2 million U.S. adults in orthodontic treatment! Today there are many aesthetic options for adult treatment including clear braces, Invisalign and active retainers.
Come visit Lakewood Park Orthodontics in Natick to learn how orthodontics can improve your oral health and give you a healthy, straight smile. Call 508 319 1545 for a complimentary consultation.

Lakewood Park Orthodontics is excited to now be using the Carriere Motion Appliance for our Class II orthodontic cases! The Carriere appliance can shorten treatment time and reduce the amount of time spent in wires and brackets. The appliance is barely visible and there is even a clear option for those who would like an even more concealed look.
A class II malocclusion is a very common bite that we see among our patients. With a Class II bite the upper teeth are forward of the lower teeth. This causes an ‘overbite’. We usually treat Class II malocclusions with elastics (sometimes a headgear is also needed at a young age if the malocclusion is significant). Elastics are typically used to fix the bite at the end of treatment. But sometimes patients are ‘burnt out’ by the end of treatment, they are not enthusiastic and therefore their compliance is not up to par. Unfortunately, elastics are only effective if the patient is compliant. With the Carriere appliance, we are able to use the elastics in the beginning of treatment -before the braces even go on. Fixing the malocclusion in the beginning of treatment, when the patient is most compliant, can reduce total treatment time. Plus, it reduces the amount of time spent in wires and brackets making treatment easier on the patients.

The number of adults investing in their oral health is on the rise. Adults are seeking braces for all types of issues from minor crowding or spacing to more significant bite issues. One of the main reasons for this increase in adult patients is the advancement in the design of braces that make them less noticeable. A ‘mouth full of metal’ is no longer a requirement for straight teeth and a healthy bite. Clear braces can create a brilliant smile without compromising self-esteem or professional appearance.
At Lakewood Park we offer ceramic braces and Invisalign. Ceramic braces are like metal braces, except the brackets are tooth-colored. With advances in the industry, ceramic braces are now as strong and effective as regular metal braces. Invisalign are clear aligners. They are removable custom-fit plastic pieces that resemble retainers. They are nearly inviscid and virtually pain free, with no brackets to come off or wires to break and poke. Clear aligners are removed to eat, brush and floss. Although they are removable it is important to wear them 20-22 hours a day for them to be effective.
You no longer have to let worry about what braces will look like keep you from having the smile you deserve. For more information about how ceramic brackets or Invisalign could work for you call Lakewood Park Orthodontics at (508) 319 1545 for a free consultation

Our patients who have braces know how annoying and painful canker sores can be, especially when combined with braces. Canker sores are not contagious. They most commonly appear on the inside of the mouth and can show up as one or multiple sores at the same time. Unfortunately, canker sores often return and there are no known causes. However, stress, trauma, food allergies, eating certain foods (chocolate, nuts and citrus fruits) and vitamin deficiencies may be a trigger.
The good news is that there is relief for canker sores. You can use pain-relieving gels, saltwater rinses and antibacterial mouthwashes to help ease the pain and support healing. The sores will usually heal within two weeks – if yours lasts longer than that you should contact your dentist.