Braces and Cavities!

If you’re a patient at Wentz Orthodontics, you are used to visiting us for your regular adjustment appointment every 6-8 weeks. While our hygienist is in your mouth making those adjustments, it’s important for you to remember our team is working on your braces and trips to your general dentist are still very much needed.

When we work on your braces, we are not looking specifically for any cavities and anything we do notice is a by-product of monitoring your oral health from an orthodontic perspective. Even if we did find something suspicious we don’t have the facilities to correct it.

For this reason, we tell you to maintain your regular dental checkup schedule of once every 6 months. Another important thing to remember is that your oral hygiene needs to be flawless. The appliances that are in your mouth are, unfortunately, a magnet for plaque buildup. 

If you are a bit lax with brushing and rinsing out your mouth after eating, you may just find that you have a beautiful straight smile with stained teeth. While having braces does not increase the risk of cavities, not caring for your teeth and having braces does.

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You and Your Dental Health

It's not easy to maintain consistent good oral health. That's because in the invisible but serious battle against gum disease and tooth decay, there's no neutral ground. You're either fighting it offensively, or your losing. The moment after you brush and floss, those native oral bacteria are repopulating their favorite playground, your mouth. Our approach includes the professional cleanings that your dentist provides and an emphasis on careful patient education so that you can continue the battle effectively at home.

Proper Daily Dental Hygiene Is Critical

The best way to remove decay-causing plaque is by brushing and cleaning between your teeth every day. Brushing removes plaque from the tooth surfaces. Cleaning between the teeth once a day with floss or inter dental cleaners removes plaque from between the teeth and in the areas where your toothbrush cannot reach. It is essential in preventing gum disease. 

Plaque Is Ever Present

Many of the foods you eat cause the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids. Sugared foods, such as candy and cookies, and starched foods, such as bread and crackers can all cause acids to form. Plaque produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red, tender and bleed easily. After a while, gums may pull away from the teeth allowing pockets to form and fill with bacteria. If the gums are not treated, the bone around the teeth can be destroyed. The teeth may become loose or have to be removed. In fact, gum disease is a main cause of tooth loss in adults.

Tips for Better Oral Hygiene:

• Carry a travel toothbrush. This lets you brush after eating, no matter where you are.
• Rinse after eating. This keeps food from sticking to your teeth when you can't brush.
• Try an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes can make teeth cleaning easier.

Your First Visit!

We are so excited you are thinking about visiting us! Your journey to a new, fabulous smile is about to begin! We are honored you have selected Wentz Orthodontics to take this trip with you. 

We would like to begin your Wentz experience by welcoming you with your very own, reserved, personalized parking spot! Look for your name as you enter our parking lot! 

At your first visit, we ask that you bring your insurance card and Health History Forms (Adult / Child). You will meet our Treatment Coordinator who will take digital X-rays and photos to allow the doctor to properly diagnose your orthodontic needs. The doctor will present an individualized treatment plan customized to address your concerns. Often treatment can begin the same day as the initial evaluation. 

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a patient be seen for an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, allowing the orthodontist to intercept problems that could become more severe with age; if, however, a patient is still developing and is not yet ready for treatment, we will be happy to enroll them in our Kids Club, where we will follow growth and development to determine the appropriate time for treatment.

If you would like more information call us at (806) 79-BRACE and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

What Makes Wentz Orthodontics Unique?

Dr. Wentz and our team, are committed to providing patients with high quality orthodontic care in a fun-filled environment. We can't wait to see you in our office! So what makes our office unique? 

• Dr. Wentz is a board certified orthodontist.
• Dr. Reeves is dual-degreed in orthodontics and pediatric dentistry.
• We are an Invisalign Elite Preferred Provider, which means we are in the top 1% of Invisalign providers in the country.
• No more impressions! Using the iTero Intra-Oral Digital Scanner, we can take a highly accurate digital impression of your teeth and jaw. This new technology completely eliminates the need for tray and putty impressions. The result is a more accurate diagnostic model for improved treatment and a more comfortable patient experience.
• Numerous locations for our patient’s convenience.
• Before school and after school appointments, as well as occasional Saturday appointments.
• The BRACE BUS is available to pick up patients if needed.
• Certified Orthodontic Assistants.
• We offer low down payments to get you started today! Zero percent financing, auto-draft payments, MasterCard/Visa/Discover cards accepted as well as Care Credit. We desire to make this Easy for parents and Fun for kids!
• Wentz Orthodontics has been voted Best in the West every year since 2009.
• We are blessed to be a part of an amazing community. We enjoy participating in the Lubbock Children's Home Annual Golf Tournament, the ADA Walk, Charlie's Coat Drive, The Community-in-Schools event, The Make-A-Wish dinner as well as many other local events. Come join us!

Contact us to schedule an appointment today at (806) 79-BRACE