Types Of Braces

Certified Damon System Braces Provider

Damon braces will elevate your outcome and are the technology required for us to offer you orthodontic treatment that is far less invasive than outdated traditional braces. What sets us apart is our ability to offer you a treatment plan that does not require unnecessary permanent tooth extractions, rapid palatal expander, headgear, or jaw surgery. As a result, your facial balance is significantly more attractive and your airway is optimized for better breathing.

Damon Braces facilitates healthy tooth movement with impressive control. It combines tie-less brackets and high-tech archwires, minimizing discomfort to help create a lifetime of confident smiles. Damon usage has been proven to result in fewer adjustments, less discomfort, and a treatment time of 6 months faster than standard braces. Overall, results have been proven 20% more effective than traditional braces.

Damon System Braces vs. Traditional Braces

  • Better oral hygiene
  • More comfortable
  • Fewer office visits

Traditional braces use elastic ties that bind wires in place, similar to a bungee cord. This design creates higher pressure and friction, which results in less efficient tooth movement and creates an uncomfortable “tightening” feeling.

Damon braces, unlike traditional braces, don’t require elastic ties to hold the wire in place. Instead, wires are held in place by a sliding door that is built into the bracket. Not only do elastic ties slow down tooth movement, but they also have a tendency to collect plaque.

What does the advanced design of the Damon braces mean for you? First, Damon braces are smaller, so you will have an easier time cleaning around your braces. Second, your experience will be more comfortable because the bracket design is smoother and the forces are lighter when compared to traditional braces. Third, you will start seeing results faster, and far fewer office visits are required with Damon braces.

Damon Clear Braces

Damon Clear is part of the progressive Damon System, which combines tieless brackets and high-technology archwires that are clinically proven to move teeth fast and comfortably with spectacular smile and facial results. No clear elastic ties mean no yellow staining and a truly clear braces treatment. Schedule a free orthodontic exam and ask us how Damon Clear braces can improve your smile.

Braces For Kids

What Is the Best Age to First See an Orthodontist?

Our orthodontists, Drs Jon, and Ryan Rucker, recommend that children visit an orthodontist by age seven. At this age, they can assess your child’s dental development and determine whether they need braces now or in the future. It’s also ideal to decide if orthodontic treatment will be necessary at a young age because children’s jaws and teeth are more amenable to change. This will make treatment more effective and easier for your child.

There are many cases where early intervention can be beneficial. For example, braces for kids in Temecula, CA, can help correct crossbites and alignment issues before they become more difficult to treat in the future. Beyond age seven, it is important for children to regularly visit the orthodontist to monitor their growth and ensure no orthodontic issues have arisen. This will ensure that any potential problems are identified and treated as early as possible. If it’s time for your child to visit an orthodontist in Temecula, CA, contact us today to schedule a free braces consultation for your child!

Why May Early Orthodontic Treatment Be Necessary?

Early orthodontic treatment is necessary when the upper and lower jaws are not properly aligned, and this can lead to difficulty speaking or chewing food, among other issues. In some cases, if children have developed habits, such as thumb sucking, early treatment can break these habits and assist their teeth in shifting back to a more natural position. Also, if your child has overcrowding of their teeth or a deep bite, they may need braces earlier than usual. Properly aligning the teeth and jaws can help your child maintain oral hygiene and overall health.

Early Signs Of Orthodontic Issues

Some common signs of orthodontic issues in children include:

    • Trouble chewing or biting food
    • Teeth that appear crooked or overlap each other
    • Loss of baby teeth too early or too late
    • Misalignment of the jaw
    • Speech difficulties, such as lisping

Certain habits, such as thumb-sucking and mouth breathing, can also be signs of orthodontic issues. If you notice any of these signs, please reach out and schedule a complimentary consultation today.

However, the best to find out is by scheduling a free consultation for braces with one of our orthodontists, Drs. Jon and Ryan Rucker. They will be able to look at your child’s oral health, dental history, and X-rays to determine if your child is in need of orthodontic care in Temecula, CA.

Braces For Teens

Boost Your Confidence With Braces For Teens

For teenagers, having attractive teeth and a smile is important. Teenagers can benefit greatly from getting braces for their teeth alignment issues. Getting braces is a great way to improve your smile and oral health for a lifetime by eliminating orthodontic issues such as crowding, crooked teeth, and bad bites. Perfect smiles are within reach when you choose Rucker Orthodontics for braces for teens in Temecula, CA. Our practice is committed to providing excellent orthodontic care to teens because we know how important it is for them to feel good about their smiles and boost their overall confidence.

We offer traditional metal and ceramic braces for teens in Temecula, CA. Traditional braces are a tried and true method for providing a straight and healthy smile for teens. This type of braces uses a slight pressure applied to the teeth using metal brackets and an archwire to create your ideal smile. If your teen is looking for a more subtle treatment, ceramic braces are made of clear or tooth-colored material to blend in with the teeth so they are less noticeable. Both types of braces offer excellent results for teens who need orthodontic treatment.

Remedies For Minor Braces Issues

Accidents happen, and sometimes braces may need to be adjusted or repaired. There are some remedies you can try for minor braces issues, such as broken brackets or wires that are poking into the back of the mouth.

A Loose Wire

If a wire has come loose, gently push it back into place with a cotton swab or eraser. If that doesn’t work, cover the end of the wire with orthodontic wax to keep it from poking your gums and cheeks.

Broken Brackets

If a bracket is loose, gently cover it with wax to alleviate any discomfort. However, if it has broken off, keep it safe in a baggy or a napkin and schedule an appointment to repair it right away.

Soreness

Sometimes after having your braces tightened, you may feel some soreness for the first day or two. Saltwater is a good remedy for this. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and gently swish the mixture around your mouth to reduce soreness and discomfort. You can also use Tylenol or Ibuprofen to reduce soreness and apply wax to any wires or brackets causing you discomfort.
If you are experiencing more severe issues, or if the remedies do not work, please contact us to schedule an appointment so we can make the necessary repairs.

Braces For Adults

Should I Consider Orthodontic Treatment As An Adult?

Even though braces are commonly associated with children and teens, they can be just as effective for adults. One in five orthodontic patients are adults 21 and older. Striving for a healthy and beautiful smile is for anyone of any age. That’s why our team at Rucker Orthodontics specializes in creating customized treatment plans for patients of any age. Some common signs you would benefit from braces as an adult include:

    • Overcrowding
    • Jaw misalignment
    • Headaches and/ or jaw pain
    • Gaps in between teeth
    • Inability to properly clean teeth

If you’ve reached adulthood without having had orthodontic treatment, it is never too late to begin treatment with braces in Temecula, CA. At Rucker Orthodontics, we understand that you might be self-conscious about wearing braces as an adult. However, it is important to understand you are not alone, and there are options out there for you. Drs. Jon and Ryan Rucker will work with you to decide on your specific goals and design a treatment plan that is right for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation for braces in Temecula, CA.

Your Lifestyle With Braces

No matter your age, braces can be a part of any lifestyle. Our team at Rucker Orthodontics will provide you with all the necessary information to help keep your teeth and gums healthy while wearing braces.

Foods to Avoid

When wearing braces, you should avoid a few types of foods; these usually fall into the category of sticky, hard, or chewy foods. Sticky, chewy foods such as caramels, gum, and toffee can break off the brackets and wires of your braces. Hard or crunchy foods, like nuts, popcorn, and hard candy, can also damage the brackets. But there are still plenty of foods you can enjoy, such as chocolate, ice cream, mashed potatoes, chicken, steak, and soft fruits.

Brushing & Flossing

When wearing an orthodontic appliance, brushing and flossing properly is important for oral health. Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste will help keep your teeth and gums healthy. The best way to brush with braces is to continually shift your toothbrush to different angles to reach all sides of your teeth. Flossing between the teeth daily is also important for the removal of plaque from areas where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Many recommend using a floss threader as this allows you to pass floss through the archwire and behind your teeth easier.

If you are in need of advice for caring for your braces, feel free to contact our office anytime, and we will be happy to answer your questions.

Braces FAQ

No, in general, braces are not painful. Braces have evolved to be more comfortable and effective for treating orthodontic issues. The brackets are placed one by one, making sure they are tailored specifically to your teeth and your goals. We also use a special adhesive that helps minimize any discomfort. After the braces are on, you may experience some tenderness or soreness due to your teeth adjusting to the pressure of the braces; however, this is very common and should resolve within a few days.

You should continue to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings every six months while you have braces. This is important for maintaining good oral hygiene, which is especially difficult when you have orthodontic appliances on your teeth. Drs. Jon and Ryan Rucker will continue to monitor your progress with braces, but they will not be performing cleanings, which is why visiting your dentist is so important.

The cost of braces will depend on the type of braces you choose and the severity of your case. However, we offer a variety of payment plans and zero-percent financing to make braces more affordable for our patients. We also accept most major insurance plans. During your consultation, we’ll discuss all the details with you so you can decide which braces are best for your budget.

As with most orthodontic treatments, wearing a retainer after removing your braces is essential. A retainer helps your teeth stay in their new positions and prevents them from shifting. There are a couple of different options for wearing retainers, including fixed retainers, which cannot be removed, or removable retainers, which can be taken out and put back in as needed. The type of retainer you’ll need depends on the severity of your case. Drs. Jon and Ryan can recommend which retainers are best for you and how long and how often they should be worn after braces.

If something gets stuck in your braces, try using dental floss to work the object out on your own. Be sure not to use anything sharp or pointed that could cause damage to your braces If something gets stuck in your teeth. If it still doesn’t come out after a day or so, we can schedule an appointment for you to come in and have it removed safely.