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Why You NEED To Wear Your Retainers

The big day has finally arrived! It’s braces removal day. You say goodbye to those braces you've been sporting and flashy that super straight smile out the door...only to return later to have your removable retainer fitted…what?

You see when you reach the end of your braces journey your teeth have been subtly shifting over the final few months into their delightfully perfected resting place. However, you should know that it takes many months to complete stabilization of positioning of teeth, which is why it is important to wear your retainers after your braces are removed!

We know that it is not the news you want to hear after your newfound freedom. But don't worry, you'll get used to it!

Trust us, as you've been doing so far, you wouldn’t want to invest all that time and money only to not wear your retainers and risk some of your teeth relapsing to their former incorrect resting place would you?

Let those lovely osteoblasts and osteoclasts do their job and give them all the support you can, and you will enjoy your gorgeous new smile for life!

Summer Contest Alert

Join us this Summer by participating in the Wentz Orthodontics Dog days of Summer Contest! Entering is easy, just post a picture or video with your pet and be entered to win $300 CASH! You can enter your pictures by posting them on our Facebook wall, or tagging us on Instagram!

What to Ask at Your Orthodontic Consultation

When you first start thinking about going to the orthodontist, it is normal to feel apprehensive. What will your orthodontic experience bring? Whether you have been advised by a dentist or chosen to seek out orthodontic care from Dr. Wentz 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 your options. With so many choices 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.

Questions To Ask During the Consultation
As you consider orthodontic care, it is likely that a few questions may naturally arise. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you might have. Our orthodontic team is here to help. Here are just a few examples of questions you may want to ask at your consultation.

• Is there an estimated length of time that I will likely require braces?
• How much should I expect to pay for my treatment? What are the payment options?
• Does getting braces hurt? Is there anything I can do to prevent or minimize pain?
• Is it likely that I will be wearing extra appliances in addition to braces to correct my overbite or other problems?
• Are there specific foods I will need to avoid when I get braces?
• Will braces prevent me from playing my favorite sport or musical instrument?
• How can I keep my teeth clean with braces?
• How often will I be expected to come in for checkups and other appointments?

Once your consultation is over, you don’t have to feel like your options are exhausted. If questions arise after the consultation, don’t be afraid to ask. Our orthodontic team will be here to help throughout the entire process.

Confidence throughout the Process
With answers to your questions, and an orthodontic team on your side, you can be confident about any necessary orthodontic treatments. From the initial consultation to the day your braces come off, your orthodontic treatment at Wentz Orthodontics can be a smooth and simple process. The moment you see that beautiful smile, you’ll know it was all worth it.

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.