Do you suffer from a lisp or whistling when pronouncing certain sounds? Along with your speech impairment, is your bite off? Orthodontic treatment could be the solution for clear speech, straight teeth, and an overall healthy smile.
There are multiple types of bite issues that can cause speech impediments.
- When the upper front teeth are horizontally too far out from the lower teeth.
- Open Bite. This is when the upper teeth do not overlap the lower teeth and do not fit together when the mouth is closed. It is caused by thumb sucking, tongue thrust or other habits in early childhood. This can easily affect speech and proper oral hygiene.
- This is where there is too much space between teeth, which make it difficult to say certain words.
- Some of the upper teeth may bite inside of the lower teeth. If there is not enough room for the tongue, speech can be affected.
These concerns can all be treated through orthodontic treatment. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of traditional metal brackets, there are a few different options. Dr. Gina Lee offers ceramic ‘Clear’ braces, lingual braces that are behind the teeth, as well as clear removable aligners.
If you’d like to find out how we can correct your speech problem, call Dr. Gina Lee and the Brier Creek/ North Durham Orthodontics team to schedule a complimentary consultation today!
When Dr. Gina Lee’s patients come in for their complimentary smile exam, many have concerns about their baby teeth. Are they coming out too soon? Will they ever fall out? While it can be a waiting game for all of the baby teeth to make a break for it, those teeth are designed to come out in the order they got there!
The American Association of Orthodontists and Dr. Gina Lee would like to see their younger patients starting at the age of 7 to monitor their dental growth and development. This gives her the opportunity to answer any questions or ease any concerns the parents may have about their child’s orthodontic needs. Most kids will be primary teeth-free by the age of 11 or 12, which is the prime time for braces to do their job. However, everyone is different and will develop at his or her own pace. This age is merely an average and does not determine delayed or premature dental growth.
The dental growth and development appointment that Dr. Gina Lee provides is an excellent tool for gauging ideal treatment timing for the highest quality results. Once all of the baby teeth have left the building Dr. Lee can begin to work her magic on making the smile perfect!
For those who have just completed their Orthodontic treatment,
This definitely calls for celebration and to show off that beautiful new smile.
Did you know that if not properly cared for, your teeth can shift and move out of alignment? That means all of the hard work put in over the number of months can change! But have no fear, RETAINERS ARE HERE!
Dr. Lee provides each patient with a set of retainers that are designed to retain your teeth’s perfect alignment. For the first few months after treatment, you will need to wear them all the time. (Except when eating or brushing your teeth!) Then you may be able to wear them only at night.
Question: How long will I have to wear my retainer?
Answer: As long as you would like your teeth to remain straight.
If you do happen to lose or break your retainer, do not panic! Dr. Lee can replace that for you. Give our office a call as soon as you notice the retainer is lost or damaged to eliminate the risk of your teeth moving!
It is very easy to come in the office for simple emergencies with braces, but what do you do if it is over the holidays when the office is closed or if you are traveling? Have no fear…Dr. Lee’s Helpful Hacks is here to help you through your orthodontic emergency and keep your spirits high this holiday season!
Poking Wires:
It is very common for wires to shift while your teeth are moving into new positions. This can be a sign that the braces are doing their job! However, we know that this can sometimes cause discomfort. Dr. Lee recommends using wax for the poking wires to alleviate pain. If the wires are long and causing a significant amount of discomfort, clip them with nail clippers and place wax if needed.
Broken Brackets:
This issue is most commonly related to eating hard or sticky foods that damage the braces. Broken brackets are not usually a true emergency unless they are causing immense pain. The bracket can be taken off the wire if there is discomfort or apply some wax to the rough parts of the appliance. Just keep track of the bracket and bring it with you at your next visit to Dr. Lee and she can replace it for you!
Wire Is Out
Wires popping out of the back brackets are common and nothing to be alarmed about. If you are able to, you can slip the wire back in the bracket hole with your fingers or tweezers. Placing the wax or clipping the wire is another option if the wire cannot be replaced or is causing you discomfort.
Missing Colored Bands (o-rings)
The colorful band that holds the wire in the bracket can sometimes break or pop off. If this happens, NO WORRIES! There is no need for an emergency appointment or call. These can be replaced at the next visit with Dr. Lee!
**As always, if you feel that you are experiencing a TRUE Medical emergency call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room!**
Happy Holidays from Dr. Gina Lee & Brier Creek Orthodontics/North Durham Orthodontics team!