Have you been thinking about trying orthodontics and want to learn more about how to care for them? Or better yet, you got braces for the first time and are researching the best methods to take care of them. Whatever the reason, all of us at Szymanowski are thrilled to be your dental care partners, helping you get the straight, healthy teeth you deserve.

Keeping your teeth clean will be an important skill for your whole life, but committing to excellent oral care during your braces treatment will ensure that your final results are beautiful. It’s not uncommon for some people to get their braces off only to discover plaque buildup, discoloration, or even cavities. We don’t want that to be you, so let’s continue our best tips for oral health during orthodontic treatment.

Keep Up with Brushing and Flossing

If you guessed that brushing and flossing would be our #1, then you are absolutely right. Regular brushing and flossing your teeth is the baseline for your oral health throughout your life, and that is still true when braces are on!

Aside from twice daily brushing, and flossing once per day, here are some tools that will set you up for success.

Floss Threader & Waxed Floss

A floss threader is a small device that you can use to thread floss underneath each wire to floss your teeth. Pairing that with waxed floss that has more stiffness to make it flexible and manageable will be your best bet to keep up with flossing. 

Water Flosser

A water flosser is a great fit for people who struggle to maintain flossing, especially during treatment when you have the extra effort of working around wires. Water flossers shoot a stream of water that you guide between each tooth, blasting out plaque and food debris that gets trapped there. Feel free to ask Dr. Damon if you have any other specific questions about whether a water flosser might be right for you. 

Interproximal Toothbrush

An interproximal toothbrush is a handy little tooth with a cylindrical head that you can easily navigate under wires and around braces for an extra deep clean. You can use this brush during your daily brushing, or take it with you so that you’ll have something to help get out any food after lunch, etc. 

Embrace the Braces Diet

Following our guidance on what kind of food you eat during treatment will help keep your teeth and braces safe. Brackets are well-secured, but they aren’t permanent devices and they can break or come loose if you eat the wrong kinds of food. It’s also important to skip a few things that can increase the chances of tooth decay during treatment. It won’t be forever, we promise! 

-Avoid hard and crunchy foods like carrots, apples, ice, chips, and more. If you question whether your braces are strong enough, then it’s probably a good idea to skip it altogether or cut them up into much smaller bite-sized pieces.

-Avoid caramel and other gooey treats, candies, and gum. Chewy and sticky substances can get stuck and cause decay.

-Avoid drinking acidic or sugary drinks like sodas or energy drinks. Acids can erode ceramic braces or even rust metal ones! And sugar in drinks can be one of the quickest ways to increase tooth decay. 

Use the Right Toothpaste and Mouthwash

The types of toothpaste and mouthwash you use when you have braces can also be a huge component of the success of your treatment. As we mentioned above, the substances in your toothpaste or mouthwash are important. That means skipping any that have acids because of the damage it can do to wires and brackets. However, it’s a good idea to choose ones that contain fluoride as it is a natural compound that strengthens teeth enamel. 

It’s also a good idea to avoid whitening toothpaste and treatments since your teeth are not fully exposed due to the brackets and wires. You don’t want to end up with a patchy mess after the braces are off, so save all of your whitening dreams for a few more months! 

Keep Your Smile in Tip-Top Shape at Szymanowski Orthodontics!

Getting to that smile of your dreams doesn’t have to be a pipe dream anymore thanks to our team at Szymanowski Orthodontics! Dr. Damon and his crew of professionals are so excited to help you get your treatment started and see those stunning results that you’ve been waiting for. 

If you’re ready to get started now, go ahead and give our Sacramento office a call to schedule a free consultation appointment. This is the best way to learn your best treatment options and see how long your treatment will take! We can’t wait to see you in our office soon, so give us a call today!

If you live in Sacramento, you’re not alone during treatment. Dr. Damon and the rest of the Szymanowski Orthodontics team want to ensure you’re properly equipped. Just like you deserve the best possible smile, you also deserve the best tools to help you get it. Here are a few orthodontic products that can help during treatment. 

That’s right! By making conscious decisions, such as using the right products, you can drastically improve your smile’s cosmetic appearance and overall health at the end of treatment. But what products should you be using? Let’s look at some of the items that can help you during your orthodontic journey.

The Case For Cases

If you wear clear aligners or retainers, your protective case needs to be with you 24/7, even if you have zero plans to take your appliance(s) out! Think of all the places you eat or perform oral hygiene. You don’t want to put your orthodontic appliances on any surface and then put them back in your mouth! Making the conscious effort to put your orthodontic equipment in its case means you are taking a crucial step to protect your clear aligners or retainers from physical damage, germs, or becoming lost. 

Remember, case it or break it, case it or misplace it, and case it or prepare to erase (germs). We know the last one could use some work, but the point is the same — put your orthodontic appliances in their cases!

If you ever lose or break your case or appliance, please get in touch with us at Szymanowski Orthodontics to receive a replacement!

Keep Up With Cleaning Products

Because your orthodontic appliances spend so much time in your mouth, they can accumulate the same bacteria, plaque, and germs that cause tooth decay, gum disease, infection, bad breath, tooth loss, and other complications, all of which could delay your treatment and potentially cause unwanted, long-lasting effects on your smile and oral health. 

Cleaning your orthodontic appliances is a vital step of your oral hygiene routine, and we’re happy to tell you that cleaning them does not take long at all! Every clear aligner manufacturer uses different materials, so be sure to get cleaning instructions from Dr. Damon when you receive your appliance. Cleaning product options include vinegar (with or without baking soda), unscented antibacterial soap, store-bought products specifically for clear aligners or retainers, and non-whitening toothpaste. Once you know which product is right for you and your orthodontic appliance, follow the instructions carefully. Improper handling can lead to damage or warping of the material.

Water Flossers For The Win

Brushing and flossing are just as important as cleaning your appliances. If you clean your devices and not your mouth (or vice versa), you reintroduce those germs to what you’ve just cleaned. 

When you’re an orthodontic patient, cleaning every part in and around your braces can be difficult, so we recommend adding water flossers to your routine if you haven’t already. These machines use streams of water to clean the teeth and gums of harmful plaque and bacteria. For patients with clear aligners, a water flosser can rid the mouth of residue that might stain your aligners! A squeaky-clean mouth increases your chances of squeaky-clean aligners!

Water flossers are easy to use and only add about a minute or two to your routine so that you can reap the benefits without the elbow grease!

Pack Your Interproximal Brush

You’ll still need to clean your mouth during moments when you can not use a water flosser, such as at a restaurant, a friend’s house, work, or school. We suggest rinsing the mouth with some water and using an interproximal brush! Both are perfect for after meals or whenever you need a mouth refresher!

An interproximal or interdental brush is a portable brush used to floss or clean between the brackets behind the wire. It’s perfect for wearers of clear aligners and braces as a quick way to remove food or residue from the mouth when you’re on the go.

Orthodontic Wax

No matter your stage in orthodontic treatment, it’s normal to experience some discomfort. This irritation can come from poking and friction between your orthodontic appliance and your lips, cheek, and gums, leading to abrasions, canker sores, and frustration. It can be hard to feel motivated to continue your orthodontic journey and challenging to live life as usual when you’re constantly uncomfortable.

To soothe or prevent this, apply some removable orthodontic wax to the area that is bothering you! It creates a flexible barrier that protects your body from poking and friction and can be used by patients with clear aligners and braces.

If you find yourself in pain, contact our office immediately so we can ensure your appliance(s) fit correctly.

Szymanowski Orthodontics Is Here For You!

With the orthodontic world continuously changing and updating, it’s no surprise that many orthodontic products can help you in and out of the office! Szymanowski Orthodontics gives all of Sacramento something to smile about. Go here to schedule a free consultation. 

No one enjoys being sick. Even if you have the luxury of paid sick days, you still feel terrible. But what do you do if you’re sick while you have braces or a retainer? Thankfully, the team at Szymanowski Orthodontics in Sacramento put together this guide to orthodontics when you’re sick. 

Managing Your Pain

Pain could be caused by wearing a new aligner, tightening your braces, or your illness. Pain management can be crucial to a speedy recovery. When you’re uncomfortable, you are less likely to wear your removable appliances (if applicable), perform your oral hygiene, eat, or sleep properly, all of which are critical for getting better and preserving your treatment schedule.

If you are suffering from pain, swelling, or irritation in your mouth, gargle some salt water. It might not taste great, but it soothes the mouth by reducing swelling and clears any bacteria that can keep you sick or produce infections. You could also apply an icepack to the outside of the mouth for ten minutes at a time.

If the metal in your braces is causing irritation by rubbing against your mouth, ask your Dr. Damon about wax! The wax sits on top of your brackets and acts as a barrier to protect your skin from pinching and irritation. The discomfort caused by brackets rubbing on the skin can be extra annoying when you’re sick, but the wax allows you to sleep and watch your comfort shows in peace.

Food Counts

It can be hard to even think of eating when you’re sick, but you must get proper nutrients and fluids! Consuming enough food and water helps your organs and muscles function correctly to get you better quicker. If you have difficulty eating, try soft foods like bananas or soup. Water also helps prevent dehydration caused by throwing up and keeps you from developing a dry mouth, an uncomfortable condition that can make it hard to eat and increase your risk of tooth decay and infections.

Keep Up Your Oral Health

Finding the motivation to do anything can be challenging when you’re sick, and your oral hygiene can fall through the cracks. However, we must stress the importance of maintaining your routine when under the weather. Proper oral hygiene rids the mouth of harmful plaque and bacteria that can cause bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss, among other things. Brushing and flossing when you’re sick help to remove germs and bacteria that could prolong your illness or produce infections.

If your illness or disease causes you to throw up, it’s important to disinfect your mouth whenever possible, but not by brushing your teeth! We know this tip might be a little gross, but it’s essential to your oral hygiene! When you throw up, your mouth becomes lined with stomach acid. If you brush your teeth, you push that acid throughout your mouth and help it reach places it wouldn’t have touched otherwise. You are also scrubbing the harsh acid into your teeth, which can erode your enamel. In place of brushing, rinse the mouth with water, an antiseptic mouthwash, or a baking soda and water mix. You want to avoid brushing your teeth for at least thirty minutes after your last throw-up!

Before trying any medications or home remedies for pain, consult Dr. Damon.

Sugarless Cough Drops

We’ve all had an illness that had us eating cough drops like it was the main course. We don’t want to discourage you from soothing a sore throat or attempting to get rid of a cough, but we do want to encourage you to use sugar-free cough drops!

Did you know that cough drops have as much sugar as candy? That sugar can cause cavities and tooth decay, especially if you are unable to keep up with your oral hygiene routine during your sickness. On your way home from the doctor, make sure to read the labels when choosing your cough medication.

Patients with fixed orthodontic appliances need to be careful not to bite down on the cough drops! Hard food and candies can break your devices. The last thing you want when you’re sick is an orthodontic emergency, so eat with caution!

Invest In New Tools

Your toothbrush and water flosser can still have germs and bacteria on them after your body has rid itself of the microscopic invader. To avoid getting yourself sick (again!), you will want to replace the oral hygiene tools that you used when you were unwell.

Bonus tip: If you have a contagious illness, keep your devices away from your family’s or roommate’s tools! You don’t want to get them sick, too!

Visit Szymanowski Orthodontics 

If you still need assistance, then pay Szymanowski Orthodontics a visit. Dr. Damon and the rest of the team can’t wait to see you. We’ve been serving Sacramento for over 50 years. Go here to schedule a free consultation. 

Braces and their many variations have rightfully earned their reputation as the workhorse of the orthodontic community, able to treat the most complex of orthodontic issues.

In recent years, however, there has been a growth in the demand for a more discreet option with fewer compromises, especially among patients with less complex needs.

Dr. Szymanowski of Szymanowski Orthodontics knows that while braces are perfect for one patient, they could be less than ideal for another. That is why he is happy to be an Invisalign provider for teens and adults!

Invisalign creates 100% custom-made, removable, clear aligners that straighten teeth in as little as six weeks by applying consistent pressure. As clear aligners grow in popularity, many have begun asking how to get the most out of such a flexible treatment option. Our team at Szymanowski Orthodontics is excited to answer this question! Here, we have compiled our favorite tips for the most effective Invisalign treatment.

Wear Your Aligners.

It is crucial to wear your Invisalign trays for twenty to twenty-two hours daily for the best results. The removability of the aligners offers users zero food restrictions and low maintenance, but neglecting to wear them properly can delay your overall treatment time. 

The adjustment period of just starting out or wearing a tighter tray can be difficult, but you have to push through! The more you wear them, the quicker the discomfort will subside.

If you cannot wear your Invisalign aligners because of pain beyond discomfort, please call our office immediately!

Stay on Schedule!

Each clear aligner must be worn for one to two weeks before advancing to the next pair. With Invisalign, you will receive a series of trays at once, so you can easily switch to the next tray at home in seconds. 

We know it can be tempting to advance to the next tray a few days early or skip a tray entirely in hopes of speeding up treatment. Unfortunately, any attempts at quickening treatment will only slow it down. Dr. Damon Szymanowski has carefully planned your precise treatment for accurate and efficient results. When you wear the incorrect try for too long, you could alter your teeth’s movement path and trying to force a tray on that does not fit could break the tray. Both scenarios result in adjustments to the treatment plan and prolonging your orthodontic care.

Our team is just as excited to see your new smile as you are, but following your treatment program as prescribed by Dr. Damon is the quickest, safest way to achieve it.

Loss Prevention.

The thin, clear design of the trays makes them comfortable for all-day wear but easy to lose! You might be surprised to find out how many Invisalign trays end up in restaurant trash cans or become your pet’s new chew toy!

To best protect your aligners when you’re not wearing them, put them in your Invisalign carrying case! The case only guards your aligners against germs and physical damage and makes them harder to lose! It is much easier to keep track of the protective carrying case because it is easier to see and transport.

At Szymanowski Orthodontics, we understand that accidents happen! Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you can still lose or damage your trays. That’s why we advise our patients to hold on to their old aligners when they advance to the next one. Wearing the previous aligner while waiting for a new aligner keeps the teeth from backtracking too much! Remember, you don’t want to move to the next tray ahead of schedule without Dr. Damon’s explicit instructions to do so.

If you lose your aligners, schedule an appointment with our office as soon as possible to keep your treatment on the right track.

Clean Your Invisalign Trays!

It is crucial to clean your Invisalign trays twice a day! Unclean trays can host bacteria and plaque that can cause tooth decay and gum disease that delay treatment. Improperly maintained trays can also develop a foul taste and smell, which is not inviting when it’s time to wear them.

The good news is that Invisalign trays don’t disrupt your oral hygiene routine, and keeping the trays clean is super easy! Just remove the trays to floss and brush like normal to clean the teeth and gums. To clean the trays, gently brush them with lukewarm water and unscented antibacterial soap using a separate toothbrush from the one for your teeth. Allow them to dry before wearing them. And that’s all they need!

Bonus: Toothpaste is often too harsh for clear aligners and can scratch their surface, making them uncomfortable and more visible when worn. If you need a deeper clean, opt for Invisalign Cleaning Crystals instead! Remember to ask Dr. Damon if a product is safe before using it on your Invisalign clear aligners.

Want more Invisalign Information?

At Szymanowski Orthodontics, we don’t take the responsibility of your smile transformation lightly. With an Ivy League-trained orthodontist and a team always aiming for perfection, you can be confident your care is the quality you expect.

To find out if Invisalign is right for you, schedule a free virtual or in-person consultation with our enthusiastic and knowledgeable team! We look forward to starting your orthodontic journey with you.

You may have heard of Invisalign, the renowned teeth-straightening treatment that has been gaining traction over the past decade. However, there are still many misconceptions about how it works. This blog post will dispel some of the most common myths and give you the truth about this innovative treatment. As a leading provider of Invisalign, the experienced team at Szymanowski Orthodontics can help you understand whether this treatment can work for you!

Myth #1: Invisalign is high-maintenance

Many people believe that Invisalign requires more upkeep than traditional braces. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth! Invisalign is incredibly low-maintenance, and most patients only need to adjust their aligners every two weeks. Plus, with Dr. Damon Szymanowski’s expertise, you can rest assured that your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs and will be as successful as possible.

In addition, you don’t have to worry about the same food concerns as you would with traditional braces, especially since you remove your aligners for every meal. Similarly, brushing and flossing are a breeze since you don’t need to work around brackets and archwire.

Myth #2: Invisalign doesn’t work as well as traditional braces

Invisalign has been proven to provide results as effective—if not more effective—than traditional braces. Plus, the process is much quicker and less painful than traditional braces. While this may not be the ideal treatment for more severe cases and jaw alignment issues, Invisalign can help achieve incredible results.

Myth #3: Invisalign isn’t for everyone

Many people believe that Invisalign is only suitable for certain types of teeth or certain kinds of cases. However, this isn’t the case. Szymanowski Orthodontics offers Invisalign to patients of all ages and with a wide range of issues. While we wouldn’t typically recommend Invisalign for children, anyone from their early teens to their adult years can benefit from this treatment. Dr. Damon can help you decide whether Invisalign is the right choice based on your specific needs and goals.

Myth #4: Invisalign is more expensive than traditional braces

When this system first hit the market, it was substantially more costly than traditional braces. Luckily, with many more orthodontic treatments being released today, the cost of Invisalign is relatively modest. At Szymanowski Orthodontics, we make Invisalign as affordable as possible by working with patients to create payment plans suited to their needs. In addition, Szymanowski Orthodontics also accepts all major insurance and offers discounts on Invisalign treatments in certain circumstances.

Myth #5: Invisalign is painful

Contrary to popular belief, Invisalign aligners are not painful to wear. Most patients find the treatment relatively comfortable and even more so than traditional braces since there isn’t any metal or wires involved. Dr. Damon works with each patient individually to ensure their comfort and satisfaction throughout the process.

Treat your smile with Invisalign

The bottom line is that Invisalign isn’t just an effective and convenient treatment option—it’s a viable solution for almost any case! If you’re considering Invisalign, the Szymanowski Orthodontics team is here to help you make an informed decision. Contact us today to learn more about this innovative teeth-straightening technology and see if clear aligners are right for you.

If you’re looking for orthodontic treatment, you may consider mail-in orthodontics. While this is a convenient option, there are some things you won’t get with this type of treatment. This blog post will discuss 5 things you won’t get with mail-in orthodontics. We’ll also provide information about the benefits of in-office orthodontics. At Szymanowski Orthodontics, we are passionate about smiles and want you to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into!

What are mail-order aligners?

Mail-in orthodontics involve a series of aligners or clear retainers sent to you and an app that is essentially a stand-in for a professional orthodontist. They differ from traditional braces in that they are not custom-fit for your teeth and, therefore, will not provide you with the same level of treatment.

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to orthodontic treatment, and aligners that have not been custom designed by an orthodontist may end up causing you more damage in the long run. Additionally, you won’t know if your treatment is going according to plan without regular checkups.

What you won’t get with mail-in orthodontics

Personalized Care

With mail-in orthodontics, you don’t get the benefit of a dedicated professional who has an intimate understanding of your unique case. Instead, you may be sent pre-made trays or aligners that are not tailored to your specific orthodontic needs. In addition, in-person locations for mail-in orthodontics are not always easy to come by and are often difficult to access due to the volume of people seeking assistance. In contrast, when you visit our office, Sacramento orthodontist Dr. Damon will thoroughly evaluate your teeth and create a customized treatment plan to ensure the best results.

Professional Oversight

With a mail-in service, you are essentially on your own without an orthodontist overseeing your treatment plan. This makes it difficult to tell whether your progress is on track. And who wants to act as their own orthodontist, anyways? At Szymanowski Orthodontics, we have a team of orthodontic experts who will be with you every step, providing professional oversight and making adjustments to your aligners if needed.

Quality Control

Mail-in aligners don’t provide the resources to ensure your aligners or trays fit correctly. In addition, there is no way to verify their quality. On the other hand, Dr. Damon uses advanced technology to scan and fit orthodontic appliances to ensure the highest quality and a tailored fit for your unique needs.

Professional Advice

Once you get your mail-in orthodontic aligners, any questions must be directed to a customer service line that won’t provide you with professional advice from orthodontic specialists. You won’t be able to receive specialized feedback about any issues that arise during treatment. When you get customized aligners, Dr. Damon is always available to answer your questions and advise on the best practices for the best results.

Peace of Mind

With mail-in orthodontics, you’re left hoping everything will turn out alright without any guarantee. At our office, we save you the stress. You can rest assured that your orthodontic journey is in the hands of passionate orthodontists with over 50 years of experience caring for smiles.

Relax knowing that your smile is being treated by a pro

At Szymanowski Orthodontics, we prioritize our patients’ health, happiness, and comfort above all else. That’s why we provide personalized orthodontic care tailored to your individual needs. So, don’t settle for mail-in aligners – book an appointment with Dr. Damon to get started on the smile you’ve always wanted! Contact us today for a free consultation.

At Szymanowski Orthodontics, our talented team strives to ensure each patient receives special attention to their particular orthodontic needs. This starts with getting the right information. You may be under the impression that braces are for kids. However, at Szymanowski Orthodontics, patients of all ages can benefit from braces treatment. In fact, studies have shown getting braces at a later age can help impact your help. Here are some reasons why adults can benefit from getting braces at a later age. 

Braces Can Impact Your Health

Many adults find that braces actually help improve overall health. Certain orthodontic issues, such as an overbite or underbite, must be fixed to prevent further complications or even surgery. Braces also provide many other health benefits. Common health problems such as headaches, jaw pain, digestion and sleep issues can be avoided by getting braces.

Braces can be more high maintenance, but this maintenance can encourage habits that increase overall oral cleanliness. The extra care and attention that goes into cleaning your teeth with braces lead to an overall healthier, cleaner mouth. Straighter teeth can also make cleaning easier, with less room for plaque and bacteria to grow inside. This decreases your risk of cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. It can also give you more access to your gum line, which makes flossing much easier.

Braces Can Boost Confidence

Orthodontic treatment is more than just straightening teeth. Orthodontics builds self-esteem and self-confidence and will nurture this kind of good health. No matter your age, nothing beats the glow of a confident smile. Your smile impacts your self-esteem, confidence, and how people perceive you. Braces can give you a personal transformation that can leave you feeling more like yourself and leave a better first impression on everyone you meet.

Braces Can Prevent Other Problems

In addition to straightening your teeth, braces help prevent further complications from certain issues and can even prevent surgery. Common health problems braces can also help prevent include:

Crowded teeth
It can be very difficult to brush and floss when your teeth are crowded. Your teeth may overlap, and you may feel there is not enough space in your jaw for all your teeth.

Spaces between teeth
Irregularly spaced teeth make it harder to control plaque and tartar. Food particles may also get stuck along your gums which can cause bad breath, gum disease, and other issues.

Overbite
An overbite is when your upper teeth overlap with your lower teeth. It can cause tooth wear and damage. Misaligned jaws can result in chronic jaw pain, among other problems. Orthodontic treatment can fix your overbite and improve your smile.

Underbite
An underbite is when your lower teeth extend outward further than the upper front teeth. It can cause difficulty with chewing, swallowing and speaking. Tooth enamel can wear down, and it increases your chance of developing tooth decay and other dental issues.

Open Bite
An open bite is a gap between your upper and lower teeth. It means your teeth do not align properly when your jaws are closed. It can cause frequent biting of your inner cheeks and tongue, the development of a lisp and mouth breathing.

Braces Come in So Many Styles

The path to a brighter smile can come in many different ways. With the ever growing developments in the world of orthodontics, your treatment options are as varied as they’ve ever been. We have the latest tools and treatments to ensure your comfort as you work for a brighter smile, including:

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are a classic treatment option for getting a beautiful smile. Metal braces are bridged together using metal brackets and arches to help straighten your teeth over time. They are typically made of stainless steel and nickel, making the brackets very durable. 

Traditional metal braces are a great way to an even better smile. Traditional metal braces are a great way to get an even better smile. They’re an effective option for treating many orthodontic issues and can close gaps. They also align the teeth relatively quickly. Remember, the treatment and care of your braces are essential. Your diet, hygiene routine, and check-ins all factor in the effectiveness of your treatment. Metal braces also help teach proper oral care. 

Clear Braces

Like metal braces, clear braces use brackets and wires to help straighten teeth. They are made of ceramic material and are also set with brackets. Clear braces are a popular choice for those who want to blend in during treatment. 

The main benefit of getting clear braces is that they are easy to disguise. With the slightly smaller frame, clear braces are designed to blend in with your teeth for a more natural look. 

However, it’s important to note that clear braces are more fragile than traditional metal braces. They can also discolor from things like juice or coffee between visits, so it’s important to be careful when choosing clear braces for treatment.  

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners use a series of invisible aligners to help straighten your teeth. They are typically removable and are designed to fit comfortably on your teeth as they work to enhance your smile. 

Clear aligners are a great option for patients who had braces when they were younger and just need a touch-up. They also work well for patients who have mild to moderate dental problems. While clear aligners are a great alternative to braces, there are a few things to note when using aligners to ensure the most effective treatment possible. 

Clear aligners don’t require any metal, making them easy to apply and use during treatment. As you progress in the teeth-straightening process, the aligners will slowly shift your teeth into place. Each tray is made to slightly shift your teeth until they are perfectly aligned into a new and improved smile.

Start Your Smile Journey With Szymanowski Orthodontics

At Szymanowski Orthodontics, we proudly serve patients of all ages in Sacramento and the surrounding areas. If you or someone you know is considering orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions. Our team of trained professionals is ready to help you discover the smile of your dreams! Give us a call today to start your free consultation.

At Szymanowski Orthodontics, we believe in the connection between healthy sleeping patterns and proper oral hygiene. Getting a good night’s sleep is a staple for just about anything. Whether you have responsibilities or are simply looking to function at a high level, sleep is the battery that charges us through our day. It’s one thing to know sleep is important, but making sure you get the necessary hours isn’t always easy. In fact, sleep deprivation affects approximately 18 million adults and children at any given time. While sleep deprivation is common, there are ways to relieve yourself of sleepless nights. Did you know that your oral healthcare can actually play a role in effective sleep? Through dentistry, Dr. Szymanowski and our team of experts can actually help your sleep schedule by addressing a disorder called sleep apnea. 

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea affects a person’s sleep cycle. People with sleep apnea will periodically stop and start breathing for different periods while asleep. 

The main types of sleep apnea are:

• Obstructive sleep apnea, the more common form that occurs when throat muscles relax
• Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing
• Complex sleep apnea syndrome, also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, occurs when someone has both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea

Sleep apnea’s effects range from disruptive to dangerous depending on the severity of your symptoms. Some of these symptoms include:

• Loud snoring
• Awakening with a dry mouth
• Morning headache
• Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
• Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)

While there are many reasons for disruptive sleep patterns, one reason you might have sleep apnea is actually because of a medical condition called TMJ.

What is TMJ?

TMJ is a condition where patients feel pain in the joints and muscles that control jaw movement. 

The joints in your jaw act like sliding hinges, connecting your jawbone to your skull. You have one joint on each side of your jaw. While you sleep, your mouth and jaw muscles will relax with the rest of your body. Sometimes to ease discomfort from TMJ, patients will clench or grind their teeth, causing trauma to the jaw, the head, or the neck. During sleep cycles, patients who struggle with conditions such as TMJ (or TMD) may experience sleep disruptions due to the constant pain and discomfort experienced while sleeping. 

How do I know if I have TMJ?

The symptoms of TMJ include: 

• Pain or tenderness of your jaw
• Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
• Aching pain in and around your ear
• Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
• Aching facial pain
• Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth

TMJ disorders can also cause a clicking sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth or chew. If there’s no pain or limitation of movement associated with your jaw clicking, you probably don’t need treatment for a TMJ disorder.

In most cases, the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders are temporary and can be relieved with self-managed care or nonsurgical treatments. 

How your orthodontist can help.

As we stated, your orthodontist may be able to help with symptoms of TMJ. After proper consultation, your primary caretaker can determine the best measure of action. Some cases are more serious than others, but generally, once an orthodontist steps in, surgery is likely to be required. Surgery is typically a last resort after conservative measures have failed, but some people with TMJ disorders may benefit from surgical treatments.

If sleep apnea is generally a structural issue, patients may find symptomatic relief by slightly altering the jaw position. Orthodontists can adjust the patient’s lower jaw so that it remains in the ideal position while sleeping. This process is completed with special appliances, or in some cases, with orthodontic treatment, including braces/aligners and elastics that shift the bottom jaw forward. 

Another option for treatment is through palate expanders. A palate expander is a device placed on the roof of the mouth and used to widen the upper jaw. This appliance is typically used as a treatment for children since their mouths and palate are still not fully formed and can easily be manipulated. Frequently, when a child’s mouth does not appear wide enough to accommodate the adult teeth, this RPE can be used without braces to provide spacing support for those teeth to come in correctly. This palate expander creates space allowing better airflow through the mouth, helping ease or even prevent sleep apnea. 

Another notable option is using custom oral appliances to help keep the jaw in a forward position and keep airflow unobstructed. Two different methods of custom oral therapy vary only slightly, with one having an extra piece to help position your tongue correctly. This option is called a tongue retaining mouthpiece. The other therapy option is the mandibular advancement device which moves your lower jaw forward and tightens the soft tissues of the upper airway, preventing airway obstruction.

Your best sleep awaits at Szymanowski Orthodontics

Your oral healthcare is a big commitment, and here at Szymanowski Orthodontics, we look forward to continuing the relationships we build with you and your family along the way. For 50 years, your smile has been our top priority. That’s why our caring and experienced team recognizes that children, teens, and adults will all have different dental needs, requiring a different level of attention and care. We work diligently with each patient to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment in an inviting environment. 

If you face sleep issues like sleep apnea or TMJ, visit us at Szymanowski Orthodontics in Sacramento to see how orthodontic treatment can transform your life.

Your facial symmetry is greatly affected by the shape of your mouth. A crossbite or narrow upper jaw can often lead to complicated, and sometimes painful, oral health problems. Here at Szymanowski Orthodontics, our expert team can straighten your teeth and correct your jaw shape. We achieve this by using an orthodontic appliance called a palatal expander. This expander applies constant pressure to your jaw. Over time, it slowly widens the upper jaw. This allows permanent teeth to grow in and existing teeth to be adjusted appropriately. Let’s go over everything you need to know about palatal expanders.

Why Use a Palatal Expander?

Let’s begin with an anatomy lesson: Your upper jaw grows in two separate pieces as your mouth matures. It isn’t until you reach puberty that the two halves bind together to form a sturdy supporting structure. This means that our orthodontic team can use that permeability to give your teeth space to grow. We can also align your upper jaw with your lower jaw for the best alignment and bite. 

Dr. Damon makes custom palatal expanders using a digital scan of your upper jaw and teeth. We send your scan to a lab where the data is turned into a high-grade metal appliance that we place on the molar teeth in the back of the mouth. The device consists of two halves that are connected in the center by a screw that you will be instructed to turn with a special key on a specified schedule. This process takes time as it keeps pressure on both halves of the jaw bone, causing them to widen as intended. This is usually left on for a specific amount of time after the desired results are achieved to allow time for the bone to get used to its new position.

Different Types of Palatal Expanders

There are different types of palate expanders depending on the adjustments needed for your specific jaw. Some expanders are removable and some are fixed. However, all palatal expanders are individualized to your palate shape and size. Let’s look at some of the options in orthodontic expanders. 

Removable Palate Expander

If you need only minor jaw corrections, you may best benefit from a removable option. There are many brands, but in general, this appliance looks similar to a clear aligner tray with a screw in the center. This option will need to be worn twenty-four hours a day. However, it does not require a longer treatment time. Removable palatal expanders don’t always require daily screw tightening like permanent appliances. 

Fixed Palate Expander

The fixed palate expander, also called the rapid palate expander (RPE), is a system of bands attached to corresponding back molars that connect high in the center of the roof of the mouth with a screw. Dr. Damon will give you a special key with instructions on how and when to use it to rotate the screw, maintaining adequate pressure for mouth expansion.

Who Needs a Palatal Expander?

Patients with many different types of problems can benefit from this specific orthodontic treatment. Palatal expanders expand the roof of your mouth and widen your upper jaw. Malocclusions like an overbite can lead to complications like jaw and head pain, tooth decay, gum disease, and sleep apnea. Having a narrow jaw can affect tooth alignment, leading to impaction and broken teeth or even obstruction of permanent teeth that have yet to grow in. Both of these dental corrections can be made with help from a palatal expander.

Before you reach puberty, your bones are still growing and forming, which makes them softer than adult bones. This is also true for your jawbones. Why is this important? It means that this treatment is quicker and most effective when used on children before adult teeth are entirely in place. 

Considerations and Alternatives

Just like any other orthodontic treatment, palatal expanders require time, work, and effort. While they may sound painful, it’s nothing more than minor discomfort. Usually, that discomfort only lasts a few minutes after adjusting the screw. Just like with braces, palatal expanders may take some time to get used to as your tongue rests against the expander. This can make speaking, chewing, and swallowing a bit difficult. Chances are, you are the only one that notices, and you’ll get used to it in about a week. 

Orthodontic treatment with a palatal expander can often cause space to form between your upper front two teeth. This is completely normal and the gap closes on its own, but braces might be an excellent option for some patients to maintain this change. You may experience some drooling, a lisp, or even some mild headaches during your treatment, especially after tightening the central screw.  

There may be some instances where an alternative option to palatal expanders may be better. If this is the case, Dr. Damon can recommend traditional braces, removal of impacted or overcrowded teeth, or even jaw surgery to correct the spacing in your jaw.

Trust your smile with Szymanowski Orthodontics 

Caring for your smile is important, especially when you’re going through orthodontic treatment. No matter what orthodontic goals you have, you deserve the right team to guide you every step of the way.

If you have any questions or concerns about orthodontic care, our expert team is always happy to walk you through the treatment process. If you’d like to learn more about being proactive on your journey towards a more confident smile, get in touch with us today to schedule a FREE consultation or follow-up appointment with Szymanowski Orthodontics in Sacramento!