Wentz Orthodontics: Invisalign and Hockey

Sixteen-year-old hockey player, Max, is finishing up his Invisalign treatment. See what he has to say about braces vs Invisalign and how it helped him out on the ice.

The Invisalign system has been successful in giving hundreds of thousands of amazing smiles to both teens and adults. Using Invisalign´s clear, custom-molded aligners to solve a range of issues, such as overly crowded teeth, widely spaced teeth, overbites and more, the Wentz Orthodontics team has fulfilled many patients expectations.

 Not everyone is a candidate for the Invisalign aligner system. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wentz to see if the Invisalign system is right for you.

View this post on Instagram

Sixteen-year-old hockey player, Max, is finishing up his Invisalign treatment. See what he has to say about braces versus Invisalign and how it helped him out on the ice!

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Sep 26, 2019 at 9:38am PDT

VIP Treatment at Wentz Orthodontics

Invisalign treatment is a technique that straightens your teeth without braces, using a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-modeled to fit your teeth. Did you know Wentz Orthodontics is a VIP Diamond Invisalign Provider. That means, Wentz Orthodontics was the first Elite Preferred Provider in West Texas, meaning that we are in the top 1% in the nation for providing Invisalign treatment.

We take this responsibility and treat every patient as our own family. The Invisalign system has been successful in giving hundreds of thousands of amazing smiles to both teens and adults. Dr. Wentz will create your individual treatment plan using Invisalign´s clear, custom-molded aligners to solve a range of issues, including: Overly crowded teeth, Widely spaced teeth, Overbites, Underbites, and Crossbites.

Vote for Us! 2019

The 2019 Best of the Best Awards is here! Wentz Orthodontics has been nominated in the Best of Lubbock Orthodontist category and we would like to encourage everyone to show their support by voting for us.

Make it count and don't sit this one out. Vote for Wentz Orthodontics!

https://lubbockonline.gatehousecontests.com/Best-of-Lubbock-2019/

New Year, New Smiles at Wentz Orthodontics

Happy New Year! We are so excited to start the new year at Wentz Orthodontics. We are so eager to see all the amazing smiles transformed in our office and all those who will begin treatment. Check out a few of our new smiles this month.

To schedule an appointment with us or learn more about our services, contact us at (806) 79-BRACE. Learn more about what makes Wentz Orthodontics unique.

View this post on Instagram

What a fantastic smile! 😀 Thank you Lesley for sharing these great photos. #WentzOrthodontics #Smiles

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Jan 8, 2019 at 6:30am PST

View this post on Instagram

New experiences at Wentz Orthodontics! How adorable. Thank you Andi for sharing this adorable photo. 😀 #WentzOrthodontics

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Jan 9, 2019 at 8:30am PST

\

View this post on Instagram

Even babies and Batman love #WentzOrthodontics....and we ❤ them!

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Jan 17, 2019 at 8:02am PST

View this post on Instagram

Thumbs up to an amazing smile! 😀 #WentzOrthodontics

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Jan 21, 2019 at 7:00am PST

The Dangerous Trend of DIY Braces

There is a growing dangerous trend that is increasing in popularity with social media and among young teens. This trend is do-it-yourself (DIY) braces. These DIY braces are dangerous and can lead to gum damage and tooth loss, among other consequences.

What are DIY Braces?
DIY Braces are braces people make out of household items such as rubber bands, dental floss, fishing line, paper clips and others that people think will get their teeth to move. People take these items and put them in their mouth, where they think their teeth will shift.

“Straightening teeth isn’t just about closing gaps between your teeth; braces align the upper and lower teeth to reduce pressure on the jaw and keep teeth from wearing on each other over time. If kids try to move their own teeth, they are not taking into consideration other areas of the mouth that professional braces correct.” - Dental Associates Blog

Unhealthy Consequences:
“Braces involves slowly and cautiously moving teeth through bone and influencing bone growth.” There are ligaments that hold your teeth to your bone and when moved, these ligaments begin to break. DIY braces can damage your enamel, cause tooth loss, damage to your gums and bacteria from the household items can affect your overall health.

Give us a call to set up your appointment and be on the road to a healthier beautiful smile. 

#FlashbackFriday 🎉 all smiles at Wentz Orthodontics!

A post shared by Wentz Orthodontics (@wentz_orthodontics) on Jun 22, 2018 at 7:00am PDT

Bad Breath & Braces

After getting braces, new patients may develop bad breath from not cleaning their teeth properly. Simply doing a quick job brushing your teeth is not enough to keep your teeth in great shape, especially when you wear braces. Bacteria feeds on food particles leftover after you eat, and this sneaky bacterium creates an unpleasant odor.

We certainly understand bad breath can be uncomfortable to talk about, but it happens to most of us. The important thing to do if you’re experiencing bad breath (or know someone who is) is to determine the root of the problem. The most common factor for bad breath our patients is almost typically caused by poor oral hygiene.  It's important to brush immediately after every meal or snack or at least rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash if you aren’t able to brush. Bad breath-causing odors and bacteria can also cling to removable orthodontics (like a retainer or clear aligners), so be sure to remove them before eating, even if you're only having a snack.

If you need a few tips on how to keep your Wentz Orthodontics smile looking it's best, please don't hesitate to ask at your next appointment. We're here to help!

The Tooth Truth

Our dedication to providing extraordinary personal service with compassion and consideration to the unique needs of each of our patients is our top priority. We feel open communication is extremely important in creating a positive environment for our patients and insuring a successful treatment outcome. Here at Wentz Orthodontics, we consider dental health to be an integral part of overall good health. We believe that good dental health can instill a sense of well-being, provide a lifelong smile, and promote good overall health.

To that note, let’s talk about the truth about our teeth. Our bone and gum tissues are supported by our teeth. If this support is lost or is poorly aligned, then our bone and gums can begin to erode. If the teeth are properly aligned the bone and gums are less likely to erode.

Your teeth play an important role in digestion. Before your food ever enters your stomach, it has to be chewed by your teeth. This process is called mastication. The food has to be partially broken down before entering your stomach to be properly digested. Braces straighten your teeth and give you the alignment you need to properly chew your food. 

If you are concerned about your alignment, or simply have questions on how to improve your dental health, let’s talk! Our caring team takes pride in providing exceptional care to patients of all ages. 

Thinking About Improving Your Smile?

When you first start thinking about going to the orthodontist, it is normal to feel apprehensive. Whether you have been referred by your family dentist or chosen to seek out orthodontic care from us on your own, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your initial consultation at Wentz Orthodontics.

One of the best ways to prepare for an orthodontic consultation is to understand the options available today - orthodontic care is a lot more versatile than in the past. You can start preparing now by seeking out and understanding those options. With a few specific things in mind, you can be totally confident and prepared for your consultation. Our website is a great resource to begin your quest for knowledge! Click here!

Questions To Ask During the Consultation
Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you might have! Our entire team is here to help make this a truly wonderful experience for you. Here are a few things to consider:

• Is there an estimated length of time that I will likely require braces?
• Does it hurt getting braces? Is there anything I can do to prevent or minimize pain?
• How can I keep make sure to keep my teeth clean with braces?
• Are there foods that are off limits when I get braces?
• Do I have to stop playing my favorite sport or musical instrument during my treatment?
• How much will my treatment cost? Are there payment options?
• How often will I need to come in for checkups and other appointments?

Confidence throughout the Process
With answers to your questions, and an orthodontic team on your side, you can be confident about any necessary orthodontic treatment you require. We've proudly served our community for more than 25 years. We're excited to join you on your journey to a beautiful, healthy smile!