FAQ

If you are looking for straighter, healthier teeth, you may wonder if Invisalign® is better than braces. Both options can be an effective way to reach your goals, but clear aligner trays do offer some distinct and unique benefits:

• Invisalign® is very discreet to wear because they are clear and can be removed for photos, eating, or if you are giving a presentation. Alternatively, you cannot remove braces for any part of the day.
• Invisalign® can often feel like the more straightforward treatment option, given that you don’t have to spend much time in the chair for treatment. The idea of getting braces put on, tightened, and removed is not as ideal for some, therefore giving the easy-to-use clear aligner trays the advantage.
• Invisalign® also has some distinct advantages for certain bite corrections because of the added layer of plastic between the teeth that can help the teeth to slide more easily.

Without fail, working with a top Invisalign® provider ‘near me’ means that you can weigh out the pros and cons of Invisalign® vs. braces for your unique case and ask any questions you may have before deciding whether to start treatment or not.

Braces are a safe, comfortable, and effective appliance for people of all ages. At Berger Orthodontics in Anaheim, we have child, teenage, and adult patients who choose braces for their teeth straightening and oral health needs.

Braces do not ‘hurt,’ but some people may experience mild discomfort or tenderness after getting braces put on, adjusted, or removed. This soreness can quickly be relieved as follows:

1. If your mouth feels sore due to an adjustment, you can relieve discomfort with an ice pack or over-the-counter pain reliever such as tylenol or advil
2. If the inside of your mouth is sore while becoming accustomed to braces, your orthodontist will supply you with dental wax that can cover the brackets in the irritated areas. Additionally, an ice pack or over-the-counter pain medication can help as well

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children visit the orthodontist for the first time by age seven or earlier if there is an issue or complication you would like to address. Many orthodontists, such as Berger Orthodontics in Orange County, will provide complimentary consultations and follow-ups to monitor your child’s oral growth and development.

There are some signs that will let you know if your teenager may require corrective orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign® clear aligners. Indications that you should reach out to an orthodontist are:

• Jaw pain
• Speech problems
• Difficulty chewing or biting into foods (open bite)
• Overbite, underbite, or misalignment (Malocclusion)
• Thumb sucking, pacifier/bottle use as a child
• Mouth breathing

It’s important to note that these issues come in various severities and often go unnoticed until intercepted by a professional. This is why it’s essential to see an orthodontist for a checkup. If you have concerns about your teenager’s oral health and development or want to schedule a visit for peace of mind, contact Berger Orthodontics today for a complimentary consultation.

Good news! If you are considering getting braces to correct and realign your smile, you can feel good knowing that these incredibly accurate orthodontic devices are suitable for all ages: children, teenagers, and adults. At Berger Orthodontics, our team will review your needs and goals, create a customized plan to get the desired results and make a treatment recommendation that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding or clenching, is a fairly common condition. For some people, this may lead to flattened teeth, headaches, and more complications, such as Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).

If your orthodontist or dentist notices signs of grinding or you struggle with jaw soreness, tenderness, stiffness, or pain, an orthodontist can make you a custom-fit mouthguard that can positively affect your oral health, comfort, and happiness.

Getting braces or clear aligners not only creates a more aligned and beautiful smile, but they also improve your teeth, gums, and oral health. Your orthodontist is well-equipped to address and fix many concerns, such as:

• Crossbite
• Underbite
• Open bite
• Deep overbite
• Overjet
• Teeth crowding
• Large gaps between teeth
• Protrusion (buck teeth)

If you want to discuss these common concerns and compare and contrast braces with non-braces straightening options, contact Berger Orthodontics for a complimentary consultation.

Although uncommon, there may be a time when an unforeseen circumstance causes you to need an emergency Orthodontic visit:

• During the course of orthodontic treatment you may experience broken brackets, bent wires, poking wires, or loose bands. If you are able to find temporary relief with dental wax then please call in to schedule an emergency visit during office open hours. If you are calling after hours and requesting to be seen immediately one of our assistants will return your call as soon as possible.
• Direct trauma to the mouth or teeth with or without braces can lead to a dental emergency. If you find yourself in this situation it is best to ice the affected area and contact your general dentist if the trauma is extensive or you are seeking further guidance. If you suffered a fractured tooth, dislodged tooth, or completely knocked out tooth please contact and see your general dentist first. Even if you have braces on it is often necessary for the general dentist to take specific x-rays, potentially conduct tests to monitor the nerves of the teeth, and to evaluate for things like root fractures or alveolar (bone) fractures. Once the general dentist has done a thorough examination and treatment of the traumatized area the orthodontic appliances including the brackets and wires can be evaluated and replaced accordingly.

When wearing braces, paying extra care and attention to the health of your teeth and gums through excellent oral hygiene is vital. Besides brushing in the morning and before bed, brushing after you eat is critical to ensure that food does not remain lodged within your brackets and wires. Here are the steps to maintain excellent oral hygiene:

1. Rinse your mouth with water to remove any food debris.
2. Using a 45-degree angle and a gentle circular motion, brush your teeth and gums with a soft bristle brush. Pay extra attention to the top and bottom of both sets of brackets and wires.
3. Rinse well.
4. Using a floss threader, floss between each tooth and underneath the wires.
5. Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash after flossing.

After removing your braces, you will find that taking care of your retainer is very simple! Here are some tips and important notes to ensure your retainer will last for many years to come:

• Keep your retainer case with you in case you have something to eat or drink while out.
• Do not place your retainer on a table, in your pocket, or ‘safely’ on a ledge somewhere. These are the surest ways to misplace or damage it.
• Wrapping a retainer in a napkin will almost always wind up with you digging through a garbage can- just don’t do it!
• Do not leave your retainer somewhere that it will be exposed to heat, direct sunlight, or extreme cold for any length of time, as this can damage the materials. An example of this would be leaving it sitting atop a patio table in the hot afternoon sun.
• After removing it from your mouth, rinse your retainer with lukewarm water.
• Brush your retainer with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste that contains no abrasives. If you need help determining what type of toothpaste to use, ask Dr. Berger for a recommendation.
• To maintain excellent oral hygiene, brush your teeth before using your retainer.