What is Crowding?

What happens when there is an issue with space in each jaw and the size of the teeth? Crowding.

Crowding of the teeth is one of the most common orthodontic problems. Dental crowding occurs when there is not enough space to fit teeth within the jaws. There are other factors that can contribute, but this problem typically stems from a discrepancy between the space in each jaw and the size of teeth.

Crowding is often one of several orthodontic problems. When crowding occurs teeth may be overlapping and displaced, which can cause a number of functional and cosmetic issues. Crowding can be the cause or result of other problems, such as impacted teeth, retained teeth or teeth that do not naturally fall out. Crossbite of the front or rear teeth can also cause the teeth to become crowded.

Depending on the severity of the crowding determines which treatment option is best for you. Some cases call for extractions or surgery, but the most common treatment for crowding is braces. If you are experiencing crowding schedule a consultation today and Wentz Orthodontics can determine what treatment is best for you!

A Few Things To Remember During The Years Of Retainer Wear

Our goal at Wentz Orthodontics is to help your smile stay beautiful and healthy for a lifetime. Your cooperation is essential in order to achieve this goal.

Here Are A Few Things To Remember During The Years Of Retainer Wear

1. Wear your retainers as prescribed by Dr. Wentz.

2. The safest place for your retainer is in your mouth. When retainers are not in your mouth, ALWAYS keep them in your retainer case.

3. Do not wrap retainers in a paper towel or napkin, this is the easiest way to lose them.

4. Do not place loose retainers in your pocket, this is the easiest way to break them.

5. Keep retainers away from pets — dogs LOVE them.

6. Clean your retainers by brushing them with toothpaste and water or with antibacterial soap. NEVER soak your retainers, this causes them to rust and/or break. Be sure to brush your teeth without your retainers in. Do not boil your retainer or put it in hot water. 

7. Do not place retainers in the dishwasher, microwave or in boiling water — they will melt or warp.

8. Your lower retainer may be a fixed retainer bonded onto your teeth. It is not considered permanent and can be broken or detached from your teeth, if you are not careful with it.

9. Bring your retainers to your check-up appointment. If anything happens to your retainers (i.e. it doesn't fit, it's broken, or it's lost) please call us ASAP. If your lower bonded retainer wire comes out, keep it and bring it in at your next appointment for rebonding.

10. The first set of retainers is included in your treatment fee. Any repair, replacement of your retainer, or rebonding of your lower retainer will be additional and charged to your account.

The benefits of orthodontic treatment will last a lifetime if you keep these important patient responsibilities in mind. If you have any further questions regarding retention contact Wentz Orthodontics at your earliest convenience.  

Can My Pre-Teen Wear Invisalign?

There is no “yes-or-no” answer. The decision, ultimately, will be made by the patient’s parents and their orthodontist. As long as your pre-teen has a fully developed set of teeth, Invisalign can be used in treatment. Invisalign clear aligners are generally safe for developing pre-teens, and the resulting tooth placement lasts a very long time. A consultation with Dr. Wentz and the team at Wentz Orthodontics can help you determine the best course of orthodontic treatment for your child in or surrounding Lubbock, Texas.

Imagine being treated with a set of braces that are virtually undetectable.
That’s the beauty of Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign costs around the same as treatment with traditional braces, but is more discreet, more comfortable, and more easily worn than metal braces. Being treated with Invisalign in Lubbock, TX by Dr. Wentz of Wentz Orthodontics can correct a patient’s orthodontic issues without anyone ever noticing that they are wearing braces.

Invisalign instead of metal braces.
Image and self-esteem are critical personal issues for developing children, teens, and adults with a less-than-perfect smile. Dr. Wentz says that the real appeal of Invisalign clear aligners is the freedom to eat and drink whatever you want without worrying about damaging your dental work. Invisalign clear aligners are removable by the wearer, making cleaning, eating, and active pursuits more comfortable.

Follow the instructions.
Pre-teens being treated with Invisalign risk interrupting the progress of their treatment by forgetting to wear the appliance. An Invisalign patient is afforded the opportunity to remove the trays before eating, and a pre-teen patient may forget to replace them in their mouth afterwards.

Assuming your pre-teen is qualified for treatment with Invisalign, make sure too that they understand how to wear, clean, and store the Invisalign trays. For some pre-teens, it is easy to follow instructions at home, but in school your child may forget some of the responsibilities that come with being treated with Invisalign. With conscientious care and application, your pre-teen’s treatment with Invisalign will ensure a great set of healthy, straight teeth that will serve them well for a lifetime.

Invisalign works well for adults and teens, but only a professional like Wentz Orthodontics can help decide if Invisalign treatment in Lubbock, Texas is the correct course of action to take in regard to your child’s orthodontic care. To learn more about treatment with Invisalign, or to schedule an appointment with Wentz Orthodontics call us at: (806)79-BRACE.

Lemonade Day Saturday, May 14th To Support Smiles For A Lifetime Foundation

Wentz Orthodontics and Lubbock Cooper Middle School are participating in Lemonade Day this Saturday! 

Stop by the Wentz Orthodontics office at 4013 84th Street on Saturday May 14th from 12-3:30.  

All proceeds will be donated to the Smiles For A Lifetime Foundation.  

Free Prizes: 

Every person who stops by will walk get a free prize! Prizes include phone adapters, earbuds, phone chargers, water bottles, chaptstick and toothbrushes!

It's National Truffle Day!

National Truffle Day is observed annually on May 2nd. On this day, the deliciously sweet truffle treat gets the spotlight.

This delicious treat is traditionally made with a chocolate ganache center coated in chocolate, icing, cocoa powder, chopped nuts or coconut. The truffle may be filled with other fillings such as cream, melted chocolate, caramel, nuts, fruit, nougat, fudge, toffee, mint, or marshmallow. 

To celebrate this day, we found a delicious recipe for you to make your very own Cake Batter Truffles.

Ingredients Needed
1/2 cup All purpose flour
1 1/2 cups Cake mix, yellow
1/2 cup Granulated sugar
1/3 cup Rainbow sprinkles
2 tsp Vanilla extract
2 tsp Veg oil or shortening
1 stick Butter
16 oz (8 squares) white almond bark
rainbow nonpariels (small round sprinkles)

For step by step recipe instructions, click here.These no back Cake Batter Truffles are fun to make and taste delicious. They are perfect for parties and are the answer to any your braces friendly cravings. Seriously, just make them. You can thank us at Wentz Orthodontics later!

Invisalign at Wentz Orthodontics

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.

Not only are Invisalign aligners virtually invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also more comfortable than traditional braces, with no metal or wires, which also usually means you spend less time in your doctor's office getting adjustments. Invisalign treatment also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

How does it work?
You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move — little by little, week by week — until they have straightened to their final positions. You'll visit us about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages nine to 15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

For more information on Invisalign, you can visit the Wentz Orthodontics website and click the Invisalign tab.

Mother's Day Contest At Wentz Orthodontics

Our Mother's Day contest starts NOW! This is an online only contest that requires you to email Tamara your answers. Send your emails to Tamara@wentzmail.com with 3 reasons why your mom is so special to be entered to win $100 to The WoodHouse Day Spa! 

We will be drawing a winner on May 6th, that's 2 days before Mother's Day! Just in time for you to pick up and gift to your mother!