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Dr. Peter Chapman and the team at Chapman Orthodontics near Mooresville, IN are knowledgeable and experienced orthodontic professionals. They are sensitive to their patient’s lifestyles, needs, and treatment goals when undergoing orthodontic treatment. A concern that patients express when considering orthodontic treatment is the amount of discomfort they may experience throughout the course of treatment. Different treatments have different pros and cons. 

Braces Can Be Uncomfortable. 

Invisalign clear aligner trays are an effective and convenient alternative to traditional braces. Treatment with Invisalign can help the patient achieve the same results they would achieve with traditional braces, but without the discomfort of traditional braces with metal brackets and wires.  

Will Invisalign Hurt Too?

Treatment with Invisalign involves graduating progressively through a series of trays over a period of time (the trays are switched out about every two weeks). Invisalign uses a lightweight and nearly invisible removable plastic tray to straighten teeth. The Invisalign trays gradually move your teeth into their new, optimal positions. Invisalign is made of a smooth, pliable thermoplastic material that fits snugly over the wearer’s teeth. Invisalign aligners exert a gentle pressure to move teeth into their new optimal position, and the adjustment period is brief. Invisalign is less likely to cause pain to the wearer than traditional braces. 

How to Cope.

Over-the-counter pain relievers are often all that are needed to treat any discomfort experienced while being treated with Invisalign. Dr. Peter Chapman and Chapman Orthodontics help their Invisalign patients relieve any uncomfortable feeling of pressure with Invisalign Aligner Chewies. These small cylinders of a pliable synthetic material are often distracting to and effective for the patient when they experience discomfort from the Invisalign trays. When chewed on, they can help relieve the sense of pressure and help to better fit the Invisalign tray around teeth.

Moving Forward.

Wearing a retainer after treatment with Invisalign is often indicated to keep the teeth from drifting back to their old positions. A retainer is the best insurance to maintaining a newly aligned, functional, and healthy set of teeth.

Invisalign has quickly become the most popular orthodontic treatment option at Chapman Orthodontics. Treatment with Invisalign is more comfortable than treatment with traditional metal braces, and it goes almost completely unnoticed by others. Dr. Peter Chapman can help you achieve your dream smile with more comfort and more convenience than with traditional braces. To find out more about Invisalign or to schedule an appointment with the team at Chapman Orthodontics near Mooresville, IN, call Dr. Peter Chapman at: (317) 852-5566

Orthodontic treatment with braces can be uncomfortable occasionally, but most often, the “hurt” reported by a patient is more of a feeling of pressure and can be more accurately described as “discomfort.” The best way to avoid or reduce any discomfort that may be associated with braces is to keep a conscientious care schedule. Dr. Peter Chapman of Chapman Orthodontics near Speedway, IN knows that a patient who is consistently experiencing pain or discomfort associated with their braces near Speedway, IN should be examined for any problems with their orthodontic appliances. 

What is this feeling?

The mouth is a very sensitive part of the body. Adding any kind of braces includes new brackets, wires, and other appliances to the teeth, and this may cause an orthodontic patient some occasional discomfort. But most people don’t understand or even care why they are feeling this way. Discomfort associated with orthodontic treatment with braces may be caused by a variety of factors:

• Irritation inside the mouth: Your mouth will need a few days to adjust once your new braces have been fitted and your teeth and gums are interacting with your appliances for the first time. These new additions to your teeth require your mouth to get comfortable with their presence. However, once the two are comfortable, the irritation will ease over time.
• Broken bracket: Your braces are constantly working. Because of this, there is always a possibility that something can break. Broken brackets should be expected, and they happen to almost everyone at least once during treatment. This can cause some pain and irritation because the broken bracket may poke at or tear the delicate surfaces in the mouth (especially if you have traditional metal braces). If this occurs, make an appointment with Dr. Peter Chapman and Chapman Orthodontics as soon as possible to fix the problem and make sure no further problems or pain occurs.
• Shifting of teeth: Braces shift your teeth to give you the healthy, picture-perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of. It’s important to know that the shifting of the teeth is what causes the most pain when it comes to braces. When your braces are tightened, they are working harder to align your teeth and essentially changing your teeth’s position in your mouth.

How do I keep my braces comfortable?

To help you avoid any discomfort you may experience during your course of treatment with braces: 

• Avoid hard foods. Dr. Peter Chapman says that hard foods should be avoided, especially after an adjustment appointment. The extra effort to chew these foods may cause or exacerbate any discomfort the patient may already feel. When your braces hurt, stick to soft foods such as pasta, mashed potatoes, yogurt, bananas, etc.
• Take over-the-counter or doctor-prescribed medication. When your teeth are hurting because of braces, Dr. Peter Chapman recommends taking an over-the-counter medicine that to lessen any pain. Medicines such as Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve can help ease the pain until your teeth and gums get used to their new positioning.

Braces may hurt, at least initially, because of how they work inside the mouth. The result of orthodontic treatment with braces, however, is a mouth of straight, functional, and healthy teeth and gums. 

For more information about why braces may hurt during treatment or to make an appointment with Dr. Peter Chapman and Chapman Orthodontics near Speedway, IN, call: 317 – 852 – 5566

Dr. Peter Chapman of Chapman Orthodontics has some tips to help patients in Plainfield, IN to distinguish between a dentist and an orthodontist. The difference between an orthodontist and a dentist may be indistinguishable to some people. Something that many folks don’t know is that all orthodontists can be dentists, but not all dentists can be orthodontists. They are both certified oral health care professionals, both treat and maintain the health of your teeth and gums, and both have the education and experience to be called doctors. In these areas, they are pretty comparable. However, there are more differences than similarities. 

What’s the difference?

All orthodontists require further schooling and more experience in their specialty (orthodontics) beyond their dental school training. A similar example would be if a medical doctor elects to take special training to become a surgeon. So, if a dentist has a patient with a dental malocclusion, they will refer them to an orthodontist for treatment.

What services do they provide? 

Dentists typically deal problems like:

• Gum Disease
• Tooth Decay
• Root Canals
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Veneers
• Tooth Whitening

An orthodontist is a dentist that specializes in the alignment of your teeth, and their services typically are employed to correct common problems like:

• Underbite
• Overbite
• Crowded teeth
• Misaligned teeth

Traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and other corrective treatments are methods an orthodontist might use to treat these issues.

What Kind of Care Do You Need? 

Orthodontists help with crooked teeth, underbites and overbites, crossbites, spaces between teeth, overcrowded teeth, and the effective treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. An orthodontist should be consulted for other jaw issues as well. While your dentist may be qualified to offer their patients fillings, TMJ treatments, and other orthodontic care, putting your smile in the hands of a qualified professional orthodontist can help a patient to experience better treatment outcomes. 

Any Questions?

Dr. Peter Chapman and the team at Chapman Orthodontics can help answer any questions you might have about orthodontics in Plainfield, IN. If you still have questions about the differences between dentistry and orthodontics, or to schedule an appointment, call: 317 – 852 – 5566

(and eight you shouldn’t eat)

Many orthodontics patients with braces are unsure of what foods are restricted in their diets. Many also believe the list of foods to avoid is longer than it actually is. Dr. Peter Chapman of Chapman Orthodontics shares some ideas about what foods are safely enjoyed and which foods are best to avoid eating while wearing braces or during orthodontic treatment near Danville, IN.

It is true that during your treatment with braces there are limitations on what you can eat in order to maintain good dental hygiene and the integrity of the hardware. But the time (and money) invested with braces is well worth coping with these limitations. The payoff is a perfectly straight, healthy, and attractive smile.

What foods can be enjoyed during your treatment?

There are many delicious food options that can be eaten while wearing braces near Danville, IN including:

• Bananas
• Yogurt
• Soup
• Cheese
• Pasta
• Mashed Potatoes

Dr. Peter Chapman wants to make sure that every patient with braces eats healthy food and gets enough daily nutrients. Here are some meal ideas that are safe for patients who are wearing braces. Perhaps there is a family favorite among some of these delicious meal options:

• Lasagna. Lasagna is a great dinner because it provides many food groups in one dish, is tasty, and is soft on your braces.
• Grilled Chicken and Vegetables. While meat from a bone can cause damage to your braces, deboned meats like chicken breast can be eaten. Chicken pairs nicely with vegetables like broccoli.
• Chicken Noodle Soup. Chicken noodle soup gives you many necessary nutrients because of the variety of ingredients that can be added. Soup is also a filling and tasty meal and will not damage your braces.

What foods should be avoided?

While wearing braces, the three types of food that should be avoided are hard, sticky, and chewy foods. These types of food should be avoided because they can get stuck in your braces easily and be difficult and sometimes painful to get out. Some food categories that should be avoided are:

• Gum
• Popcorn
• Ice
• Caramel
• Pretzels
• Raw vegetables
• Steak
• Hard candies

Some of these foods do not have to be completely avoided, however. Foods like vegetables, steak, and pretzels can be broken or cut up into smaller pieces and then eaten safely.

There are many foods which are nutritious, delicious, and are friendly to your braces. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Peter Chapman and Chapman Orthodontics near Danville, IN, or for more information, please call: (317) 852-5566

Orthodontic treatments can help a patient achieve a life-long healthy and straight smile. The length of treatment is always as different as each patient and their treatment goals.  Dr. Peter Chapman and the team at Chapman Orthodontics near Speedway, IN can help give you a better understanding of the processes of orthodontic treatment and which approach may provide their patients with the best outcomes possible.

Schedule a consultation

During the consultation visit, Dr. Peter Chapman will complete a new-patient exam and diagnose your orthodontic treatment needs. This assessment usually lasts about an hour and allows the doctor to evaluate your needs as a patient and answer all of your questions about your proposed course of treatment. X-rays and/or photographs of your teeth may be taken and will help Dr. Peter Chapman identify which treatment option is the best for you.

Once you’ve decided on a course of treatment, Dr. Chapman will provide you with an estimated cost of treatment, a timeline for how long the course of treatment will take, and any options for finishing your treatment. 

The time that you have to actually wear your braces will vary depending on your needs and the type of treatment indicated. The typical treatment time is 23 months. Some patients have their braces on for only six months, while other patients can have them for longer than three years. 

Getting your braces

Dr. Chapman and his team will walk you through the entire course of treatment from beginning to end, schedule a series of appointments to get you started, and can discuss with you options for funding your treatment. The team will review your dental records and show you samples of braces, Invisalign aligners, and other appliances that may be integrated into your treatment.

The appointment to affix your braces to your teeth takes about 2 hours and can be scheduled almost immediately after your consultation. A Chapman Orthodontics associate will first prepare your teeth for the brackets, and then your orthodontist will carefully position each bracket on each tooth. Because this is such a critical step in the process, Dr. Peter Chapman invests a lot of time sweating the details (including bracket type, positioning, and wire selection) to help each of his patients achieve the best treatment outcome possible. 

Throughout your treatment, the Chapman Orthodontics team will help you schedule routine checkups; brief appointments to adjust your brackets, answer questions, and check your progress. These meetings usually average 15 to 20 minutes and take place every 8 to 10 weeks. If you’re using Invisalign aligners, these checkups occur every 4 to 6 weeks.

Concluding Treatment

When your course of treatment with braces is coming to an end, your doctor will schedule you for a “debanding.” Removing your braces will take a little over an hour, and you will be pleased at how easy and comfortable the process is. It is then important that you arrange with your dentist to have a thorough cleaning, check-up, and fluoride treatment after the removal of your braces. 

To hold your teeth in their new position, Dr. Chapman will evaluate which retainer is appropriate for you and make you a set of retainers and recommend a practice for wearing them. Most patients are advised to wear their retainers indeterminately in some capacity. The general rule is, “Wear your retainers for as long as you want your teeth to stay straight.”

Go show the world your healthy, gorgeous, new smile!

Before you leave the office after your final treatment, you will be given a photo of how your teeth looked before you had braces so that you can compare how your beautiful smile looks now. 

If your dentist recommends braces for you, then Dr. Peter Chapman and the team at Chapman Orthodontics near Speedway, IN can help. Give them a call: 317 – 852 – 5566

If you’re seeking an orthodontist for you or your child, then don’t make a commitment too quickly; every orthodontist is different. Some may prefer to use a specific treatment plan over others, and some may charge their patients more for treatments more than other orthodontists do.

Orthodontic treatment (especially with traditional metal braces) means that you’re making a big commitment for multiple years, so we understand the importance of doing your research. Be sure to search for and select the orthodontist that meets your individual needs and criteria. Dr. Peter Chapman of Chapman Orthodontics is here today to help you choose the right orthodontist near Danville, IN. 

Ask your family, friends, and Dr. Peter Chapman.

The first step to finding the right orthodontist for you is to simply ask around. You can always ask friends or family if they know about a good orthodontic practice that they might’ve used for their treatment.Your family’s dentist also can help point you in the right direction. Dentists usually are knowledgeable about the other dentists and orthodontists in your area. Once you’ve considered your options and have narrowed it down to a few orthodontia providers near Danville, IN, you should call to ask them a few questions. Their answers will be helpful in determining if their practice is right for you.

There are several questions that you should ask your prospective providers.

• What are the possibilities of orthodontic treatment?
• What are common problems that you treat?
• How often will visits take place?
• How long will treatment last?
• What are your office hours? (Many orthodontists have limited hours, meaning that working parents may have to take time off or kids will have to be taken out of school.)
• How many orthodontists work in your office?
• How long have you been in Chapman Orthodontics?
• What is the cost of treatment, and how do you determine the cost?
• What insurance plans do you accept?
• Do you offer a free consultation?
• Can you provide references from current or past patients?
• Is the orthodontist using the most recent technology in their procedures?

Be aware of your surroundings.

Pay attention to the office around you and remember to take mental notes on what you see and experience. Are the office staff and hygienists friendly? Is the office staff professional? Are they flexible to work with? Are the orthodontist and office accessible for advice or emergencies? 

Think about what type of orthodontic treatments are available to you.

Most orthodontists offer four main common treatment options, including a few different types of braces:

• Metal braces are the traditional and most common option. They are most often used for children under 12 years of age.
• Ceramic braces are clear or tooth-colored and are usually self-ligating. They work the same as metal braces, but are much less visible making them more popular with adults. However, they cost more than traditional braces.
• Lingual braces are the most inconspicuous as they are fixed to the back of (behind) the teeth, enabling them to remain completely unseen. The downside to lingual braces is that they are usually much more expensive, and very few orthodontists offer them due to the associated costs and longer treatment time.
• Clear aligner systems like Invisalign are made of smooth plastic, are virtually invisible, and can be taken out to eat, brush, and floss. One big advantage to aligners is that they are now practically the same cost as traditional metal or ceramic braces. However, they are only used in treatment for teens and adults. 

If you’re an adult looking to restore your or your child’s sparkling, beautiful smile, then look no further than Dr. Peter Chapman at Chapman Orthodontics near Danville, NY. To schedule a consultation with the Chapman Orthodontics team, call them today at: (317) 852-5566

If you have recently been fitted for Invisalign near Avon, IN, the team at Chapman Orthodontics would like to congratulate you on getting one step closer to a confident and healthy smile! Dr. Peter Chapman knows that while Invisalign is in your mouth doing the important work of straightening teeth, it’s also crucial to keep your Invisalign tray clean. The Chapman Orthodontics team recommends that their patients follow these tips to keep their Invisalign clear aligners clean and working properly. 

• Saliva and plaque may collect on the Invisalign trays, and that creates the perfect home for harmful or odor-causing bacteria. It is important to clean your aligners every time you take them out. (You take your aligners out before you eat, right?) Brush your aligner the same way you brush your teeth; with a little bit of toothpaste and a toothbrush. You should also brush and floss your teeth while you’re at it. That will help to reduce bacteria also.
• Soak your aligner in a product like Invisalign Cleaning Crystals, Retainer Brite, or even denture cleaner once or twice a week. Avoid a colored denture cleaner; it may stain or color your aligners. 
• Avoid foods that may stain your aligners. Tea, coffee, wine, and sodas stain the aligners most often. Hot drinks may warp the plastic trays into a position that no longer fits on the teeth, thus extending treatment time.
• Wear Invisalign conscientiously. Invisalign clear aligners need to be worn to work. The trays are removable to eat, but they need to be worn to be effective. Do not keep the Invisalign tray out of your mouth for longer than is necessary to eat, brush, or floss.

Keeping your Invisalign aligners clean is easy, and it’s a very important part of the overall treatment. Just remember, whenever you brush your teeth, brush your aligners too. To make sure you remember, the team at Chapman Orthodontics recommends that you make a small Invisalign cleaning kit for when you’re on the go. Include a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss to keep your teeth and Invisalign sparkling clean!

If you have any more questions on keeping your Invisalign clean, or anything else Invisalign related, give Dr. Peter Chapman a call. You can reach Chapman Orthodontics near Avon, IN by visiting our website or calling: 317 – 852 – 5566