Braces

Halloween is just around the corner, and we know that means kids everywhere are getting excited to spend a night dressed up as scary monsters, patrol their neighborhoods, and – of course – gorge themselves on mounds of candy. But while all that candy may be a dream come true for a child, it’s a true nightmare for teeth. The sugars and acids in candy can rot away enamel, and because many candies are hard, sticky, gooey, and crunchy, they pose a mortal risk for braces. As your dedicated Medford orthodontist, we at Euksuzian Orthodontics wanted to give some guidance on the best candies to protect braces this Halloween.

How to Protect Braces During Halloween

By and large, braces are most susceptible to candies that are particularly hard, crunchy, sticky, or gooey: anything with a risk of breaking off a bracket or getting stuck under an archwire carries the most serious potential for damage. For those reasons, avoid candies like the following:

  • Jolly Ranchers
  • Sugar Daddies
  • Tootsie Rolls
  • Lollipops
  • Laffy Taffy

Another thing to keep in mind is that while sugar presents a less immediate threat, it still can cause tooth decay and derail treatment. For this reason, candies that contain xylitol – a sugar substitute – will be less damaging than candies containing pure sugar.

So what can you eat this Halloween? In general, look for candies that are soft but not sticky, don’t require much bite force to chew, or dissolve in the mouth easily. Try to opt for candies like these:

  • Soft peanut butter cups
  • Ice cream
  • Soft milk chocolate
  • Milk shakes
  • Smoothies
  • Soft candy bars
  • Fruits like apples cut into tiny pieces

Contact Your Medford, NJ Orthodontist

With a careful eye towards dietary health, you can easily protect braces this Halloween without ruining the fun. We hope you found this guide helpful, and as always, we’re here for you if you have any questions. Feel free to contact us if you’d like more information about keeping braces safe this Halloween, and don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at our office if you want a post-candy checkup. Until then, we wish you a happy, braces-friendly Halloween!

At Euksuzian Orthodontics, our goal is to give each and every patient that walks into our office the beautiful smile they’ve always desired. As your trusted orthodontist in Medford,

NJ, we accomplish this through a wide range of advanced orthodontic treatments. We understand that every patient has different needs, which is why we supply each one with the orthodontic treatment that’s perfect for them and their lifestyle. Two of our most popular treatments are braces and Invisalign. Allow us to take the opportunity to explain why each one may be the right choice for you.

Why You Should Choose Braces

blonde girl with braces smiling

Some of the reasons why you should consider braces as your orthodontic treatment of choice include the following:

  • Braces offer a proven and effective treatment method that’s been time-tested.
  • There are many different types of braces to choose from, some of which offer a more discreet form of orthodontic treatment.
  • They are cemented onto your teeth, meaning that you never have to worry about losing them or remembering to wear them.
  • Braces are good for more complicated orthodontic treatment problems.
  • They’re a less expensive treatment option.

 

Why You Should Choose Invisalign

girl with Invisalign tray smiling

Some of the benefits of choosing Invisalign as your orthodontic treatment are:

  • The aligners used in Invisalign are clear and transparent, meaning that your orthodontic treatment will be virtually invisible.
  • The aligners are removable, meaning that you can brush and floss normally.
  • In addition, you don’t have to avoid any foods because you just take out the aligners before you eat.
  • The plastic in Invisalign allows for a more comfortable treatment process.

 

So Which One Is the Best?

Each form of orthodontic treatments has its clear advantages, so there’s no definitive answer to this question. It depends entirely on a patient’s wants and needs as to which treatment would be best for him or her.
We encourage you to stop by sometime for a consultation so we can decide which one would be perfect for you.

Contact Euksuzian Orthodontics, A Premier Orthodontic Practice!

If you still have questions about braces and Invisalign, we encourage you to contact our office during our normal business hours. You can reach our Medford office at (609) 654-0600. We’re also happy to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation appointment for you. We can’t wait to help you achieve a straighter and healthier smile!

Girl with braces smiling in snowThe team at Euksuzian Orthodontics strives to make your experience wearing braces as enjoyable and comfortable as possible! Our Medford, NJ orthodontist, Dr. Sarkis Euksuzian, specializes in gentle and comfortable orthodontic care to make wearing braces a positive experience. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your braces to help ensure the time you spend in treatment is positive and enjoyable.

Steer Clear of Braces-Busting Foods

When you had your braces placed on your teeth, we told you how important it is to avoid eating foods that can damage or break your braces. You should steer clear of hard, crunchy, gooey and sticky foods. Regardless of how tempting that sticky candy bar or hard crusted bread may be, refrain from eating these types of foods that can harm your braces. If you do end up breaking your braces due to something you ate that you shouldn’t have, it could extend the time you spend in braces, which is something neither you nor your orthodontist wants!

Keep Your Braces Clean

To ensure that you don’t develop tooth decay or gum disease while wearing braces, be sure to brush and floss your teeth very well. Food particles and plaque can easily hide and build up in all the nooks and crannies around your braces. You should brush your teeth four times per day and floss at least once per day, preferably at bedtime. In addition to your regular toothbrush, we recommend using an Interdental toothbrush (Proxabrush) which is a small tool that makes getting between and around the brackets and wires easier.

Don’t Skip Your Adjustment Appointments

Your regularly scheduled adjustment appointments are very important as this is when we check your progress and make necessary adjustments to your braces. If you skip these appointments, it can slow down the treatment process and extend the time you spend wearing braces. Orthodontic treatment is a 2-way street so to speak as both you and your orthodontist have responsibilities to ensure you receive the optimal result which is a straight, healthy and beautiful smile!

Contact Us at Our Medford Orthodontist Office

These tips are designed to help you make the most out of the time you spend in braces. It’s also important to get answers to any questions you have about your braces. We serve patients from throughout the greater South Jersey area including Mt. Laurel, Marlton, Mt. Holly, and the surrounding communities. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, as we’re always happy to talk with you!

Those of you wearing braces may be wondering if you’ll be able to eat all of the delicious food on your table this Thanksgiving. After all, our Medford and Marlton orthodontist Dr. Sarkis Euksuzian has told you to avoid eating crunchy, hard, chewy and sticky foods because these types of foods can damage or break your braces. But the team at Euksuzian Orthodontics has good news for you! Even though you must avoid foods that can harm your braces, there are still many foods you can enjoy!

Here are a couple braces-friendly recipes to try for Thanksgiving that you and even your family and friends not wearing braces will love.

Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

This casserole full of creamy chicken and broccoli won’t bust your braces and it’s perfect for the Thanksgiving holiday. Plus, it’s a breeze to put together, which means you won’t spend too much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

1 8 oz package cream cheese spread

½ cup milk plus 2 tablespoons (divided)

1 tsp garlic powder

2 cups frozen broccoli, thawed & drained

1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded

1 ½ lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese spread, 2 tablespoons milk and the garlic powder until blended. Add the chicken, broccoli, cheddar cheese and rest of the milk and mix. Put the mixture into a large baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.

Soft Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin bars can be enjoyed while everyone else is eating sticky pecan pie and other chewy desserts you must avoid.

Ingredients:

3 eggs

1 2/3 cups sugar

¾ cup vegetable oil

30 oz can pumpkin puree

2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp nutmeg

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp salt

Frosting Ingredients:

1 8oz package soft cream cheese

1 cup butter, softened

2 tsp vanilla extract

4 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In large bowl, mix together eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin until well blended. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Stir the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well. Put the batter in a 10 x 15 ungreased baking pan and bake for about ½ hour or until done. Allow to cool.

To make the frosting, combine all the frosting ingredients together in large bowl and blend together well. Frost the pumpkin bars when completely cool and cut into squares and serve.

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We hope you enjoy these braces-friendly recipes! Dr. Sarkis Euksuzian and his staff would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday!

Our Medford, NJ orthodontist Dr. Sarkis Euksuzian is routinely asked by his patients how long they can expect to wear braces. The answer to this question is that treatment time really depends on each individual’s specific orthodontic problem being addressed. Generally speaking, treatment times can range from 12 to 30 months with the average time spent in braces being approximately 24 months.

The criteria that Dr. E. uses to gauge whether a patient’s treatment is complete includes:

1 – The Severity of the Problem(s) Being Treated

The main factor in determining how long treatment will take is the degree of severity of the oral problem(s) being treated. Treatment time may be longer when teeth are impacted or when the upper and lower jaws fail to develop at the same time. Obviously, the amount of correction a patient needs determines how long braces must be worn. In short, the more teeth need to be moved, the longer treatment takes.

2 – The Patient’s Age

In most cases, children and teenagers respond faster to orthodontic treatment because they are still growing. Adults on the other hand often have to wear braces longer. The specific type of orthodontic appliances being worn also influences the length of treatment as some types of braces provide faster results than others.

3 – Oral Hygiene and Patient Cooperation

Another factor that helps determine how long a patient must wear braces is how well the patient maintains good oral hygiene. If the patient does a good job of brushing and flossing their teeth while in treatment and sees their family dentist regularly, treatment will move along as planned. But if a patient does not brush or floss well and develops dental decay or gum disease, treatment time can take longer as the tooth decay and gum disease will need to be treated.

Speak to Our Medford Orthodontist

Since every patient is unique, it is important to talk to Dr. Sarkis Euksuzian regarding the estimated time you can expect to wear braces.

We are always available to speak with you! If you have any questions about orthodontic treatment, please call us at our office or contact us online. We are conveniently located in Medford, NJ and serve patients from throughout the greater South Jersey area including Mt. Laurel, Marlton, Mt. Holly, and Voorhees, NJ.

girl using proxabrush on bracesHere at Euksuzian Orthodontics, Dr. Sarkis Euksuzian and his team are always excited to see our patients’ beautiful, glowing smiles when their braces are removed. After all, you’ve done your part to ensure that your new straight smile is nothing short of amazing by being compliant and taking extra care with your oral hygiene. But there is one thing that can put a damper on all the excitement you feel when you’re finished with orthodontic treatment, and that’s white spots that can appear on teeth when your braces come off. While these white spots are very uncommon at our Medford orthodontic practices, we want you to be informed on why they sometimes occur and how to prevent them.

What Causes White Spots?

The visible white spots that sometimes appear on teeth after braces are removed occur due to demineralization on the surfaces of teeth caused by the accumulation of dental plaque. These white spots don’t just appear overnight; they begin well before the day your braces were removed. Decalcification is one of the first steps in what is called the demineralization process that often leads to the development of tooth decay. These spots are often located between the gumline and the brackets that are the most difficult areas to brush.

If there are white spots on your teeth when your braces come off, there’s no need to panic. Most often, these white areas will improve with time as you’ll be better able to remove plaque by thoroughly brushing your teeth without braces being in the way.

Here are a few guidelines that Dr. Sarkis Euksuzian suggests you follow to prevent white spots from appearing on your teeth when your braces are removed:

1. Keep Your Teeth Clean with Diligent Brushing

When you do a great job of brushing your teeth each day, you can prevent the buildup of plaque on tooth surfaces and between the teeth and brackets. Ideally, you should brush your teeth 2 to 3 times per day for two minutes each time. If need be, set a timer to ensure you’re brushing for the full two minutes. And don’t forget your 6-month dental cleaning visit that can help keep these white spots off your teeth.

We also highly recommend using a proxabrush, as seen in the photo above. It can really help you clean those hard-to-reach places around your braces and underneath braces wires. As a courtesy to our patients, we always provide you with a free proxabrush at your first appointment with us!

2. Floss Using a Floss Threader

Flossing your teeth using a floss threader will help remove the buildup of plaque between your teeth and along the gumline. Using a floss threader does take some patience but with a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time! The best time to floss your teeth is at bedtime after you’ve brushed. Just be sure to do a good job every time so that plaque doesn’t have the chance to develop.

3. Avoid Acidic and Sugary Drinks & Foods

You should steer clear of acidic and sugary foods and drinks as they can damage the enamel on your teeth, making them more prone to white spots. Instead of drinking soda or fruit juices, stick with water. If you do drink soda or juice, use a drinking straw as less liquid will flow over your teeth this way. Try your best to avoid (or at least limit) the amount of sugary foods and snacks you eat like cookies, cakes, candy, etc. Not only will you be doing your teeth a big favor when you avoid these types of foods, but you’ll feel better and be healthier as well!

Don’t hesitate to contact our Medford, NJ orthodontic office if you have any questions about white spots or how to avoid them. We want the big day you have your braces removed to be a day you’ll never forget without it being spoiled by seeing white spots on your teeth! Euksuzian Orthodontics proudly serves patients of all ages from through the greater South Jersey area including Mt. Laurel, Marlton, Mt. Holly, Voorhees, and Tabernacle, NJ.

braces vs invisalignOur Medford, NJ orthodontist Dr. Euksuzian along with his dedicated staff is proud to offer a variety of treatment options for children and adults. Two of the most popular orthodontic treatment types we offer are regular braces and the Invisalign System. There are benefits and advantages associated with each of these treatment options, which can make determining which treatment is right for you difficult.

Here is an overview of both regular braces and Invisalign to help you decide which of the two types of treatment is right for you.

About Regular Fixed Braces

Although we offer different types of braces, stainless steel metal braces are the most common type of regular braces. These braces are made up of wires and brackets, designed to gradually move teeth to their ideal positions. Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive than the metal braces used a few years ago. These braces are affixed to the teeth permanently for the duration of the treatment process.

Other types of braces we offer include gold and ceramic braces. Gold braces are fixed, stainless steel braces that are coated with 24 karat gold. Ceramic braces are made of a translucent or clear material and are popular among adults due to their aesthetic appeal.

Drawbacks Associated With Regular Braces

While wearing regular braces, there are certain types of foods that should be avoided because they can damage or break your braces. The types of food to avoid and steer clear of during treatment include:

  • Hard
  • Crunchy
  • Sticky
  • Gooey

When wearing regular braces you must also be very diligent in maintaining good oral hygiene. It is very important to keep your teeth and braces clean so that trapped food debris is swept away and plaque buildup around your braces is minimized and eliminated. This will ensure that your time spent in braces will run smoothly without having to worry about the development of tooth decay.

If you feel you can live with not being able to eat certain foods and snacks during treatment and are confident you can maintain excellent oral hygiene, you may be a good candidate for regular braces.

Facts About Invisalign

Invisalign uses a series of clear, plastic removable aligners that will gently guide your teeth into their new position. With Invisalign, most people won’t even notice you’re undergoing treatment since the clear aligners are nearly invisible. If you want to improve your smile discreetly, Invisalign may be the ideal way to go about it!

Another advantage of wearing Invisalign is that you do not have to worry about eating certain foods that can damage or break your appliances. Instead, you can continue enjoying all your favorite foods as you simply take the aligners out when eating and then just put them back in when done. Also, because the aligners are designed to be removed when brushing & flossing, you will be able to maintain good oral hygiene the entire time you’re in treatment.

Invisalign Requires 100% Patient Cooperation

Invisalign aligners are designed to be worn a minimum of 22 hours a day. This means that patients choosing this treatment option must be compliant with this requirement because otherwise, the treatment will not be effective. In fact, failing to wear the aligners as directed can result in the treatment being longer.

Contact Euksuzian Orthodontics In Medford, NJ

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with us to find out which treatment type you are a candidate for, please call our office or send us a message via the contact form that is on our main website. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Once you’ve decided to improve your smile with braces, it’s important that you know what to expect so you can keep your treatment on track. When you first have braces placed on your teeth, you will go through an adjustment period as you get used to the feeling of wearing them and knowing how to eat, brush, and floss your teeth.

Here is an overview of what to expect while wearing braces so that your time spent wearing braces is stress and problem-free time as you progress through treatment on the journey to your brand new, healthy and beautiful smile.

Week 1

Because force is being placed on your teeth in order to move them, you will likely experience sore teeth for a few days after the braces are first placed and occasionally after routine orthodontic visits. Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc) are effective at reducing the soreness. You should also avoid eating hard and chewy foods when your teeth are sore.

It is also common during the first week for your lips, cheeks and tongue to become irritated as they get used to your braces. If you feel any discomfort from your braces rubbing against these areas of your mouth, you can place small pieces of dental wax over the parts of your braces that are causing the discomfort. After the first week, your lips, cheeks, and tongue will “toughen up” and become used to the braces.

Plan on eating mostly soft foods during your first week in braces. As a general rule, avoid eating anything that’s harder than a pretzel. You should also avoid foods like:

  • Breads with hard crusts
  • Nuts
  • Bagels
  • Raw vegetables
  • Whole fruit
  • Candy
  • Any other hard, chewy or crunchy foods that can damage or break your braces

Stock up on foods like mashed potatoes, soups, yogurt, smoothies, cottage cheese, soft fruits, etc. so you have plenty of foods from which to choose.

Week 2

You won’t notice your braces as much by the second week. Even though you may not feel discomfort when eating, it’s important to avoid all foods considered “braces breakers” like the foods mentioned above. Just stick to the list of foods we gave you when your braces were put on so you don’t have any problems like loose or broken brackets and wires.

Week 3 and Beyond

Most people get completely used to wearing braces after a week or two. It is common to occasionally feel as though your teeth are loose when wearing braces. However, this sensation is normal as your teeth are slowly and gradually moving into their new positions.

Oral Hygiene is More Important Than Ever When Wearing Braces!

It’s very important to practice good oral hygiene while wearing braces as food particles and plaque can hide behind all the nooks and crannies of your braces. Arming yourself with the right tools can help you take good care of your teeth and braces. We recommend using a soft bristled toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and a reusable floss threader for flossing your teeth before going to bed each evening. An interdental toothbrush (Proxabrush) is another aid you can use to keep your teeth, braces and gums clean and healthy. An antiseptic mouth rinse such as Peroxyl is also something we recommend using as it helps control minor gum inflammation and irritation caused by your braces.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Medford, NJ orthodontic practice; we’re always happy to speak with you!

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At what age should your child have an orthodontic evaluation?

You may be surprised to learn that it is very important and be done at an early age.  Dr. Euksuzian can than determine if orthodontic treatment will be required and the best time for your child to be treated.

Why are children being evaluated at such an early age?

If early treatment is indicated, DrE can guide the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment, after all the permanent teeth erupt.

Does early treatment benefit all children?

Early treatment does not necessarily benefit all children. Certain types of orthodontic problems can be more easily and efficiently corrected in the teen years when all the permanent teeth have erupted. Some skeletal orthodontic problems should not be addressed until growth is more advanced or completed. DrE can develop a plan for treatment based on each individual child’s needs.

If a child has treatment early, will this prevent the need for braces as an adolescent?

Early treatment can begin the correction of significant problems, prevent more severe problems from developing, and simplify future treatment. Because all of the permanent teeth have not yet erupted when early treatment is performed, their final alignment may not have been corrected. Typically, a shortened comprehensive phase of treatment (Phase II – full braces or Invisalign) in the teen years, after all the permanent teeth have erupted, completes the correction. However, in some circumstances, further orthodontic treatment may not be indicated.

imagesStarting braces treatment as the age of 43, I was prepared to receive some funny looks from friends and strangers when they noticed my “metal mouth”. My expectation was that the common perception of braces treatment comes with a bit of a social stigma at any age, but especially for someone in their forties or beyond.

Now that I have completed treatment, I can report that my experience, surprisingly, was quite the opposite.

With today’s smaller clear brackets, it usually took people five to ten minutes into a conversation to even realize that I was wearing braces at all. And when they did notice, their reaction was always one of genuine curiosity than anything else.

People wanted to know what I was having corrected — I had upper and lower crowding — and what my experience had been so far. I explained that the first few weeks were a bit of an adjustment, but after that I rarely noticed my braces. The only habits that I had to change were knowing how to choose braces friendly foods and brushing and flossing around the braces after eating as they are definitely traps for food.

Everyone was interested in SureSmile and how the technology enhanced the way that my orthodontist delivered care. Then the conversation would often turn to the treatment that they had received as a child and how they wished a treatment like SureSmile had been available then. For those who had not worn braces as a child, nearly all were interested in what braces might be able to do for them as an adult.

My personal conclusion is that as a society, our attitudes toward braces have changed significantly in the last few decades. What was once thought as a treatment for kids with more serious dental problems is now common for many teens, even a rite of passage.   And for adults who didn’t have the benefit of treatment as children, many are appreciating what straight teeth can do for one’s appearance and oral health. With advances in treatment such as clear brackets or hidden brackets (lingual braces) and especially technologies, such as SureSmile, that shorten treatment time while also enabling great results, it’s easier now for adults to consider braces.