The brackets of the braces are the equivalent of the cars of a train, and the track that they follow is the archwire. Once the brackets are placed on the teeth and the archwire is properly adjusted to create a path to great teeth, all that remains for our train is fuel to move in the right direction.

This orthodontic energy is often provided by elastics, the locomotive often commonly referred to as rubber bands. Elastics can be different sizes and strengths according the specific needs of each patient’s orthodontic journey. They are also available in a variety of different colored packets or creatively named animals to make it fun and easy to remember what size you are wearing.

It is important to wear the elastics, as prescribed by your orthodontist, in order to arrive at your final destination. If the elastics are not worn, the braces won’t move and you will not have your braces removed on time or worse yet… achieve a good result. The force exerted by the elastics may cause a bit of soreness at first, but the soreness goes away within a few days, if worn on a regular basis. Fresh elastics provide the most pull, so it is recommended you replace elastics daily to keep everything moving at the same speed for best results.

Traveling the tracks to a healthy smile can be intimidating at first, but understanding how it all works and with the guidance of your orthodontist, you can sit back, enjoy the ride, and be rest assured that you’ll arrive safely in no time at all!

At Hodgkins Orthodontics, we are pleased to provide you with this helpful information and to offer you the finest orthodontic care for you and your family. If you or someone in your family is interested more information about how we can help achieve the smile you deserve, contact our office for a free new patient exam.

The Perfect Smile

Have you ever given any thought to what it actually means to have a “perfect” smile? Most people when asked this question will conjure up mental images of models and Hollywood actors with dazzling teeth. However, there is an actual medical definition of the way the teeth are meant to fit together. The word “occlusion” refers to the alignment of the teeth and the way the upper and lower teeth fit together (bite). Ideally, all upper teeth fit slightly over the lower teeth, just like the top of a house sits over a basement. All teeth are lined up straight and spaced evenly. The upper teeth keep the cheeks and lips from being bitten and the lower teeth protect the tongue. Not all people are so lucky as to have this medically “perfect bite.”

There are any many problems that can lead to a malocclusion, or “bad bite”. For example, crowding of teeth, too much space between teeth, extra or missing teeth, cross-bite, over-bite, and under-bite are all types of malocclusions. Also, various irregularities of the bone structure in the jaws and face can also lead to a malocclusion. Basically, a malocclusion is any misalignment of the teeth or incorrect relationship between the teeth of the two dental arches.

Most forms of malocclusion are inherited; meaning you were born with them through no fault of their own. In addition, thumb sucking and tongue thrusting can also create a malocclusion over time. Premature loss of baby or permanent teeth, accidents, or medically related issues such as allergies or breathing problems can also cause a bad bite.

Most people have some degree of malocclusion, although it usually is not enough to warrant orthodontic treatment. However, those with serious enough problems left untreated, malocclusions or poor bites can become worse. Crooked and crowded teeth are difficult to clean with normal brushing and flossing causing tartar and plaque buildup. This build-up, in turn, can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Also, a bad bite can wear down the enamel on tooth surfaces and create difficulty chewing and may eventually lead to chronic pain over time.

Malocclusions of one type or another are the main reason that people seek orthodontic treatment. Given all of the negative consequences just described, it is no wonder people want to get the problem “straightened out”. If you think you have a malocclusion, contact Dr. Dudley Hodgkins at Hodgkins Orthodontics in Cedar Park TX to schedule a complimentary consultation before the situation goes from crowded to worse!

One such unconscious behavior is the way we chew and swallow our food. Virtually from birth, consuming food is such a primal act that it would never occur to most people to pay attention to the way we go about it. Infants swallow with their tongues thrusted against their gums, which is fine for babies and very young children. However, as people get a bit older, they usually change over to a swallow with the tongue placed on the roof of the mouth.

Most people develop this unconscious ability to chew and swallow in the natural manner by about age 7. However, some people never stop swallowing with their tongues against their teeth. The formal medical term for this condition in adults is “orofacial muscular imbalance” or in simple terms… a tongue thrust. It can cause serious problems in the long run, especially with how teeth and jaws come together when children are growing.

Your immediate reaction may be, “So what? How can something as small as the placement of someone’s tongue be such a big deal?” Consider a couple of facts first. Human beings swallow between 1,200 and 2,000 times every day. With each individual swallow, the tongue puts about 4 pounds of pressure on whatever surface it is placed against. The soft and resilient tissue of the roof of the mouth can handle this pressure well, but teeth simply cannot.

The tongue is a very strong muscle and over time will push the front teeth forward and apart from the lower teeth and actually affect jaw growth causing them to grow apart. This creates space between the upper and lower teeth, which is known as an “open bite.” Tongue thrusting can also sometimes lead to an embarrassing lisp because the normal air tight seal is not created to form all words correctly.

The bad bite created by tongue thrusting can be addressed with orthodontic treatment. Dr. Dudley Hodgkins can evaluate if braces and appliances can bring the teeth back to their rightful positions and correct adverse jaw growth if treated early before a child stops growing. If it is not caught in time, surgical intervention as an adult is the only way to correct the problem.

Also, be aware if the underlying cause of tongue thrusting such as mouth breathing from allergies or enlarged tonsils and adenoids is not addressed, the orthodontic correction can relapse. Retainer wear to maintain the correction is critical under these circumstances.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This check-up can catch a number of different problems in time for early orthodontic treatment to be effective. Tongue thrusting is one such problem that can be redirected if caught early.

You are your child’s first defense against orthodontic problems that can hinder healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. Do not hesitate—contact our office to schedule a free consultation today to determine if your child is a candidate for early orthodontic preventative treatment.

That's right! Kathryn Heigl never worried about her teeth not being straight until she decided to get married. What was the easiest and least emotionally traumatic solution for someone who is in the spotlight and can't be seen wearing braces… Invisalign! At Hodgkins Orthodontics, we offer teens and adults the braceless alternative to having the beautiful smile you always wanted.

If you have been thinking about straightening your teeth, contact our office for a complimentary appointment to find out how easy it is to accomplish this with Invisalign. We see every patient in our office as a celebrity and look forward to discussing orthodontic treatment options with you.

See what Kathryn Heigl has to say about Invisalign on YouTube… Leave a comment below and tell us what impact you think a smile has on our day to day lives. As a consumer, we are interested in your opinion.

Whether you are a prominent sports figure like San Antonio Spurs player Manu Ginobili, one of the top ten actors in the world like Tom Cruise, or a "diva" like Gwen Stefani…braces are cool at any age. Read this article recently posted on celebrities wearing braces who are in the public eye every day. If they can do it… so can you.

Invisalign is a great option if you don't want others to notice you are going through orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth. Unfortunately, not every orthodontic problem can be treated with invisible braces. Some orthodontic problems can only be corrected with traditional braces, whether clear ceramic brackets or metal brackets. No matter what your orthodontic problem, Dr. Dudley Hodgkins can help you choose your best orthodontic treatment option to create the beautiful smile you deserve.

Leave us a comment and tell us how you feel about wearing braces at any age….

To determine whether or not teeth are actually missing, x-rays must be taken and carefully evaluated by Dr. Dudley Hodgkins. At times, a tooth may not actually be missing, but hidden underneath the gums and in poor position, preventing normal eruption and requiring orthodontic treatment to bring the tooth into alignment.

When permanent teeth are missing, an orthodontic consultation by Dr. Dudley Hodgkins will determine if the space caused by the missing teeth can be closed or remain open, requiring a replacement to fill the space and maintain the bite. Without orthodontic treatment, the teeth on either side of the missing tooth will move randomly and tip into the open space, causing poor tooth alignment, bite problems and bone loss as we age.

If the problem is diagnosed at an early age, a simple appliance (space maintainer) is placed to hold the space and makes orthodontic treatment easier, when all the permanent teeth erupt. In some instances, if a space maintaining appliance is inserted and all the other teeth erupt normally into the mouth, orthodontic treatment can be avoided after wearing a very simple appliance. A general dentist can then replace the permanent tooth, if it is missing, when the child is old enough, with an implant and crown or another type of permanent replacement.

A permanent tooth is missing underneath the X. The appliance holds the molar in position while the rest of the permanent teeth erupt. The appliance is cemented on the teeth so you don't have to worry about it as long as the patient is brushing their teeth regularly and staying away from sticky foods.

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of good oral health. Dr. Dudley Hodgkins supports the ADA in their efforts.

Attached are some fun activities you can use to engage kids of all ages regarding dental health. Download Here

February is also National Pet Dental Health Month.

Did you know that human toothpaste can irritate your animal’s stomach? Watch this video on proper oral hygiene for your pet's teeth.

If you take good care of your teeth on a regular basis with proper brushing and flossing, the cost of maintaining your teeth is minimal. (watch video below) However, if your oral hygiene is lax, the cost of dental care rises, depending upon what it needed to correct the situation, be it a routine filling, root canal, or implant and bridge to replace a lost tooth.

Dental care expenses can mount up quickly in a family, especially with a member of the family in orthodontic treatment. The best assurance for good dental health has always been and still is regular brushing and flossing. Flossing is something that many of us do not do nearly as often as we should and some probably do not do it at all. If it is difficult to get adults to floss regularly, the battle parents have getting their kids to do it, especially if they have to weave the dental between teeth and wires while wearing braces, is even harder.

Some consider using a WaterPik, whether in orthodontic treatment or not, a substitute for flossing to flush out food between teeth. The WaterPik is sometimes considered simpler and faster to use than dental floss, but the question is does it work as well to keep teeth clean rather than regular flossing?

While using a WaterPik can seem much easier to maneuver in the mouth than dental floss, it actually doesn’t do the job as well. The water can’t penetrate as well between teeth that tightly fit together or are crowded, which prevents proper removal of food and plaque which causes gum disease and decay.

So, the answer to the question… Is a Waterpik as effective in removing food and particles from between teeth and around the gum line as good as dental flossing? The answer is no.

However, it is a great way to remove large pieces of food from between the teeth, especially while wearing braces. At Hodgkins Orthodontics, we want to stress the importance of both brushing and flossing during treatment to maintain good dental health. If you want to use a Waterpik, that’s great, just don’t use it as a substitute for flossing.

Watch this video below on what can happen if you don’t brush and floss your teeth properly and learn how to properly floss between teeth while wearing braces.

After watching this video, how important do you think it is to take care of your teeth properly during orthodontic treatment? Please comment below.

According to the American Dental Association, most kids stop sucking their thumbs on their own by the ages of 2 – 4 with little if any damage as a result. The habit no longer serves its purpose, so they stop. However, children who vigorously suck their thumbs and continue to do so beyond age four risk causing damage that will require orthodontic treatment to correct. The thumb or fingers can exert unwanted pressures upon teeth, bone, and soft tissues in the mouth causing problems with positioning of teeth and growth of the jaws.

The most obvious consequences of a persistent thumb or finger habit are:
• Pushing the upper front teeth (incisors) out and the lower incisors in… resulting in the "Bucky Beaver" smile.
• Preventing the front teeth from erupting all the way together causing an openbite.
• Stopping the lower jaw from developing normally, resulting in a recessive or "weak" chin.
• Narrowing of the soft tissue in the palate of the mouth, resulting in a crossbite.

If a child doesn't eventually stop sucking their thumbs on their own, an orthodontist can install appliances that take away the pleasing sensation children get when sucking their thumbs. However, before we recommend placement of an orthodontic appliance, I always encourage a child to stop the habit on their own.

Here are five tips Hodgkins Orthodontics offers parents to proactively encourage their child to stop a damaging finger habit after the age of 5. Remember, in many cases, it is just as difficult for a child to stop sucking their thumb or finger as it is for an adult to stop smoking cigarettes. Be supportive and understanding.
• 1. Explain to your child the damage their habit is causing to their mouth and teeth. Kids today are smarter than you think. They like being treated like an adult. Pictures of buck teeth and openbites go a long way helping drive home the point.
• 2. Develop a program with your child's input to stop the habit. Let them be proactive in determining the best way to correct their own problem. They are more likely to cooperate if they have a choice in the process. Suggest aids like, wearing a sock to bed at night when they fall asleep as a reminder or sitting on their hands while driving in a car or watching TV. With some children, there is a blanket or stuffed animal that goes hand in hand with the habit. It is difficult to stop one, without removing the other. I know it sounds like a double whammy… but it is often what is needed to be successful.
• 3. Set up a calendar to track progress with a reward system at the end of every week offering small rewards. There is nothing wrong with bribing your child to stop a habit that is adverse to their dental health. With older children, offer a large reward after the habit has stopped for at least 4-6 weeks. Make the reward well worth the hard work and emotional stress it takes to stop a persistent habit.
• 4. If you notice your child relapsing, work on alleviating what is causing the stress and anxiety which causes the reaction, rather than the habit itself.
• 5. Children always respond more favorably to positive praise vs negative criticism. Instead of reminding them to stop the habit, praise them when they are proactively decreasing or eliminating the habit.

Even though the habit stopped at an early age, orthodontic treatment still may be indicated due damage prior to stopping the habit. As a parent, it is now your turn to be proactive when it comes to your child's long term dental health. Have your child checked by an orthodontist by age 7 to determine if early orthodontic treatment is indicated to correct a skeletal growth problem caused by a thumb or finger habit by age seven.

Young children seem to be fascinated with them also. They may not chew on them like a pet, but they tend to pick them up out of curiosity, distort them, and drop them wherever they roam, making them hard to find.

At Hodgkins Orthodontics we can’t stress enough the importance of taking care of your retainers. Here are some tips on how to keep your appliances out of harms way. We have heard all the horror stories and very little surprises us anymore. The safest place for retainers is usually in the mouth.

• Always place the retainer in the retainer case when not in your mouth. If it is in your case, it is more protected. If placed in a pocket it can fall out and disappear or end up in the wash and be destroyed. If it is out of your case in your backpack, gym bag, or on a locker shelf, you are asking for trouble. If you leave it lying around in the open on furniture, it is an accident waiting to happen in more ways than one.
• Do not wrap the retainer in a napkin while eating at home, school, or a friend’s house. There is a good chance it will end up in the garbage by mistake. It’s a nasty job sifting through garbage for a retainer, especially at school or in a restaurant! YUK…
• Do not clean the retainer with hot water or boil your retainer to sterilize. It will distort the plastic so it won’t fit and then you must replace it!
• Take them out when swimming. More than one retainer has ended up lost in the ocean surf, bottom of a lake, or public pool.
• Take them out when vomiting. Once you flush, they are gone!
• And the one rule that seems to be most popular…KEEP RETAINERS… AWAY FROM PETS AND SMALL CHILDREN!

If you go without wearing your retainer for any prolong length of time, especially right after the braces are removed, your teeth will begin to move. One set of retainers is included with treatment. If you break or lose them due to your own loss or neglect, there is normally a replacement fee, so please be careful.

If you have lost or damaged your retainer or retainers, contact our office to schedule an appointment to replace them. Maintaining your smile depends on it!