News

How To Brush and Floss Teeth with Braces

by

Dr. Chapman and the team at Chapman Orthodontics in Brownsburg, IN are orthodontics experts and can help explain to you why you should always maintain good oral health by brushing and flossing your teeth while wearing braces.

We’ve all been taught about the importance of brushing and flossing our teeth, typically in the morning when you wake up and at night before you go to sleep. But the one thing that you should never forget to do is clean your teeth properly, especially if you wear braces. While wearing braces, whether you’re a teenager or an adult, maintaining good oral health care Chapman Orthodontics helps ensure a successful treatment outcome.

Brushing and Flossing When Wearing Braces

With braces, food often gets caught in the brackets and wires, and then lingers on your teeth, creating plaque and tartar. These conditions can also cause serious and unwanted complications during your orthodontic treatment, such as:

  • Swollen gums
  • Cavities
  • Permanent stains on your teeth
  • Yellowed teeth
  • Bad breath

While wearing braces, not only is it important to brush your teeth multiple times a day but to brush them in the correct way. To get the best brushing results, make sure you brush your teeth and braces from every angle.

While brushing your braces on and around your top teeth, make sure to brush them with the toothbrush angled downward.

When brushing your braces on and around your bottom teeth, make sure you brush them with the toothbrush angled upward.

This helps to ensure that each tooth and every part of the tooth–the front surfaces, the chewing surfaces, and the back surfaces of your teeth–get completely clean. These techniques will also improve your brushing skills and give you a better cleaning treatment each time you brush. 

Dr. Chapman stresses that cleaning your mouth, teeth, and braces effectively is an important part of your orthodontic treatment. If you don’t put the effort into your cleaning regimen while you are wearing braces, you may not get the outcome that you were hoping for: a clean, healthy, straight, white smile. 

Flossing 

Just brushing your teeth is not enough when you’re wearing braces. Flossing is a necessary (even if it’s a bit more awkward and difficult) and important step toward optimal oral health and the best orthodontic treatment outcome. 

For people who wear braces, the Name Orthodontics team recommends using a waxed floss. Some tools designed just for flossing are made with a stiff tip to reach food stuck under the wire of your braces.

To be certain you are flossing effectively, remember these tips: 

Thread the floss under the wire before passing the string between the teeth.

Rub the waxed floss up and down each surface of the tooth and don’t skip cleaning each and every gap.

Weave the floss through the individual gaps between the teeth (no blood should be seen. If you see blood, you may need to floss a little more gently). 

Be sure to massage the gums with your toothbrush during brushing. 

Finish things off with a good and thorough mouthwash rinse. 

Both brushing and flossing your teeth properly are crucial steps in your orthodontic treatment with braces. You’ve already spent a lot of money on your braces to straighten your teeth and improve your smile. So why not maintain your oral health to ensure you get a healthy, beautiful smile?

If you’ve been searching for an orthodontist in Brownsburg, IN that can help you achieve a beautiful, glowing smile, then look no further than Dr. Chapman! To make an appointment for a consultation at our office, contact Chapman Orthodontics at: 317-852-5566

What Is the Perfect Age to Begin Taking My Child to the Orthodontist?

by

 

As a child develops, one of the first things parents begin to feel concern about is their child’s oral health. Dr. Chapman of Chapman Orthodontics in Brownsburg, IN is often asked if a child may eventually need orthodontic attention, what the signs are to look for, and at what age should a child begin treatment. No two cases are the same. Dr. Chapman has the answers to a few of the most important questions that you may have.

Read more

Why Should My Child See An Orthodontist?

by

 

Dr. Peter Chapman and the professionals at Chapman Orthodontics in Plainfield, IN know that a thorough dental evaluation will reveal how your child’s teeth and mouth are growing. To evaluate how a child’s teeth are developing, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child get an examination with either a dentist or orthodontist by age 7. There are many reasons why you should have a dentist or an orthodontist examine your child’s mouth while they still have their baby teeth. 

The Benefit of Early Intervention

Many orthodontic patients receive better treatment outcomes when a problem is identified and corrected early on. For youngsters especially, a consultation with a qualified orthodontist may indicate where and how a young patient’s permanent (adult) teeth will grow in by examining the arrangement of the teeth and jaw while the primary (baby) teeth are still present in the child’s mouth.

Dr. Peter Chapman and the professionals at Chapman Orthodontics in Plainfield, IN have years of experience with children’s orthodontic treatment. A consultation from the Chapman Orthodontics team also will give you the opportunity to become more familiar with the options for treatment that might become necessary as your child continues to grow.

Conditions to Watch For

A dentist or orthodontist can identify and correct several conditions with orthodontic treatments.

  • Crowding

  • Open Bite

  • Cross Bite

  • Deep Bite

  • Spacing

  • Teeth emerging out of position

Interceptive Treatment

Interceptive treatment is designed to treat a problem before it becomes a problem, making current orthodontic treatment easier and possible future treatments less invasive.Your child may need interceptive treatment for any progressing orthodontic problems.

Phase One of Treatment

Dr. Peter Chapman will examine their young patient and evaluate how your child’s teeth will develop after they lose their primary teeth. They will then work to guide the growth of the jaw and to make room for newly emerging teeth, so that crowding of the teeth won’t occur. This will also lower the risk of damage to any new teeth that are protruding or are starting to protrude.

Phase Two of Treatment

This phase usually involves treatment with braces. Braces are designed to move your child’s permanent teeth into their correct final positions and to improve teeth function and facial appearance.

Give Your Child the Smile They Deserve!

Problems that can be treated in a growing child may relieve the patient of more radical and intrusive orthodontic measures later on in life. A child’s growth rate and their orthodontic treatment approach are meant to progress concurrently. The Chapman Orthodontics team agrees that by timing orthodontic treatment with your child’s stages of development, Dr. Peter Chapman can make treatment easier by taking advantage of your child’s rate of growth.

Dr. Peter Chapman and the team at Chapman Orthodontics in Plainfield, IN can help answer any questions that you might have about children’s orthodontics. To schedule a consultation, call: 317.839.6533

Is Invisalign Teen Right for My Child?

by

 

For teens, the idea of undergoing orthodontic treatment may be a stressful prospect. No one wants to look at photos of their teenage-era summer vacation, cousin’s graduation party, or everyday Instagram candids and feel self-conscious about their smiles. Fortunately, traditional metal braces are no longer the only option for teenage orthodontic treatment.

Chapman Orthodontics in Brownsburg, IN offers their patients treatment with Invisalign Teen, a custom solution just for teens that is more comfortable and less obvious than traditional braces and is equally effective in most cases. If you or your child is interested in Invisalign Teen in Brownsburg, IN, read these important points from Dr. Peter Chapman:

 

Invisalign Teen is a series of clear, plastic aligner trays that are custom made to fit over the teeth. They work in the same way as traditional braces do to gently move teeth to their optimal positions within the mouth and deliver a straight and healthy smile. Patients in Brownsburg, IN may believe that they are not eligible for treatment with Invisalign because they have a complicated or unique case. Dr. Peter Chapman treats patients with a range of orthodontic treatment needs with Invisalign.

 

Invisalign Teen is removable. Invisalign Teen gives the wearer the freedom to eat the foods they love without having to be concerned about damage to their teeth or dental work. Invisalign is removable by the wearer to eat, brush, floss, and clean the aligner tray, so care and maintenance is easy. Invisalign Teen allows the wearer the freedom to participate in sports or play a musical instrument because Invisalign is removable. Because Invisalign is removable, it can be forgotten or misplaced. Dr. Peter Chapman reminds Invisalign Teen patients to be conscientious about keeping the Invisalign tray safe and secure while it is not being worn.

 

Invisalign Teen is completely clear. Invisalign Teen gives patients in Brownsburg, IN the opportunity to feel fully confident in their smiles while undergoing treatment. Only the patient wearing the Invisalign aligners can tell they’re there, making for a more cosmetically pleasing system than traditional metal braces. Treatment with Invisalign, like any other orthodontic treatment system, requires the patient to wear a retainer to ensure long-lasting results after treatment.

 

Invisalign Teen is the clear alternative to braces for teenage patients needing orthodontic treatment in Brownsburg, IN. To learn more about treatment with Invisalign Teen, visit the Chapman Orthodontics website or contact Dr. Peter Chapman at: 317.852.5566

What Color Braces Should I Get Next?

by

 

Most folks who are undergoing orthodontic treatment with Dr. Peter Chapman of Chapman Orthodontics in Brownsburg, IN don’t intend to make a statement with their braces. Then there are patients who do. If you are straightening your teeth with braces, why not spice them up a little with some color? Your orthodontist may offer different colored elastics that can be affixed around each bracket. They’re really called ligatures and are used to hold the archwire in place. They’re changed about every four-to-six weeks, so a patient can create a new look with each orthodontic treatment visit.

Tips for Choosing Colors

The common colors that patients choose for their ligatures include shades of blue, green, yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple. Gold, dark blues, orange, green, or purple can complement a darker skin tone. Light blues, dark purples, and dark shades of red or pink can complement a lighter skin tone. Darker colors can make your teeth appear whiter; lighter colors can give your teeth a yellow tone. Which colors compliment your eyes? What colors coordinate with the clothing that you usually wear? You can choose to combine colors for your favorite sports team or school organizations. The Chapman Orthodontics associates say that some patients like to get specific color schemes for certain holidays like red and green for Christmas, or red, white, and blue for Independence Day. There are some colors that you may want to avoid, however. Black, brown, or dark green may mimic food stuck in your teeth and white can possibly make your teeth appear yellow.

What Do the Colors Mean?

Your color and your style is your choice. To express yourself with your braces, consider these colors and their meanings:

  • Red symbolizes energy, strength, and determination. It is an intense color with high visibility, but it’s possible to use a lighter or darker shade to reduce this effect.

  • Blue is often associated with depth and stability, as well as calm and tranquility. It is a masculine color that can create vibrant designs when combined with warmer colors like red or orange.

  • Purple is associated with royalty, wealth, luxury, and power. It can also symbolize wisdom, creativity, or mystery.

  • Green represents freshness, growth, and harmony. It can be associated with money or peace.

  • Orange symbolizes joy and happiness. Orange is highly visible and can be used to make exciting color combinations.

  • Yellow represents honor, loyalty, and cheerfulness. It also symbolizes intellect and energy. Just like red and orange, it’s a very visible color.

Now you’re ready to choose the colors of your elastics (ligatures)! If you’re looking for an expert orthodontist in Brownsburg, IN to help you choose some exciting new colors, then talk to Dr. Peter Chapman and the Chapman Orthodontics team. They specialize in orthodontic care for kids and teens. Contact them for information or to schedule an appointment, call: 317.484.6388

Dentist or Orthodontist? What’s the Difference?

by

 

Dr. Peter Chapman of Chapman Orthodontics in Brownsburg, IN has some tips to help patients 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:

  • 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 Brownsburg, IN. If you still have questions about the differences between dentistry and orthodontics, or to schedule an appointment, call: 317.852.5566

Which is better for Adults, Invisalign or Braces?

by

 

Are you an adult considering orthodontia to straighten your teeth but are concerned about your appearance while undergoing treatment? At Chapman Orthodontics in Plainfield, IN, we customize a personal plan of teeth-straightening care that best fits your orthodontic treatment goals and your cosmetic concerns.  Advancements in orthodontic care technology such as Invisalign or other types of clear braces may be the right course of treatment for you.

But, which form of treatment is more effective? The answer is subjective, as is the needs and tastes of every patient at Chapman Orthodontics.  Here are some differences between the treatment plans of traditional braces and Invisalign that you should know about:

  • Traditional braces are not removable by the patient. These types of teeth-straightening braces consist of brackets and wires that are fixed onto your teeth and worn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Because they are not removable, patients using this treatment plan must take the proper precautions, such as avoiding certain foods or playing rough in contact sports).
  • Invisalign is removable and essentially invisible to the human eye. Invisalign is a clear plastic tray that fits over your teeth. They may be taken out during the day for eating, brushing your teeth, and flossing. A removable appliance, however, requires extra care to ensure that they stay clean and hygienic. Invisalign is easy to remove and to keep clean.
  • Traditional braces are made of metal brackets and wires. They provide stability and are effective at straightening teeth. However, the sides or “wings” of the brackets might cause sores and pain during mouth movements.
  • Invisalign is made of a strong, medical-grade, thermoplastic material. The Invisalign trays are fitted snugly around your teeth. They are clear and removable, so they are not very noticeable. They cause less discomfort than metal braces but might not be as effective as traditional braces in treating vertical adjustments.   
  • Traditional braces can sometimes be less costly than Invisalign. It is difficult to state definitively whether traditional braces or Invisalign costs more than the other. The price of both treatments depends on the individual patient’s needs. The amount of work needed, the length of the treatment, your insurance coverage, and the course of treatment worked out with Chapman Orthodontics all factor into the price of your treatment.
  • Traditional braces are cheaper, easy to clean, and more effective in raising or lowering misaligned teeth.
  • Invisalign clear aligners are removable, lighter, and more convenient to wear during day-to-day activities.  

Trust Chapman Orthodontics to help you choose the right course of treatment for your individual needs and lifestyle, whether that is Invisalign or adult braces in Plainfield, IN. They can help you make the best decisions for you and your smile and will help you in choosing the right orthodontic treatment for you. Contact us at: 317.839.6533

Adults Can Get Braces Too!

by

Today, adults wearing braces make up about half of all orthodontic patients in the United States. It is never too late for an adult to attain a healthier mouth, straighter teeth, and a perfect smile. Dr. Peter Chapman and the team at Chapman Orthodontics are experts in adult orthodontic treatments in Brownsburg, IN.

There is a general misconception that braces are worn only by children and teenagers. But, orthodontic treatments with braces have evolved considerably in recent years. Braces have become more lightweight and easier to install and remove. At Chapman Orthodontics, adults are choosing orthodontic treatments with braces more and more frequently.

Why Adult Braces?

Misaligned or crooked teeth (malocclusions) affect our appearance and our self-esteem, and poor dental and oral health care can be a contributing cause to a number of adult-related health care concerns.

Improperly aligned teeth can cause problems chewing food, which may lead to gastrointestinal complications. Misaligned teeth and crossbites can trap food and increase the likelihood of plaque buildup. These conditions increase the chances of an adult patient developing gum disease and other more serious health-related complications (tooth decay, toothaches, earaches, and headaches). A crooked-toothed smile may also cause problems with public speaking, cause self-image concerns, and even prevent professional growth and advancement.

Dr. Peter Chapman understands the reasons why an adult in Brownsburg, IN may need to wear braces, and he helps each patient attain their treatment-outcome goals with sensitivity and compassion.

What are the Different Types of Adult Braces?

The Chapman Orthodontics team offers a wide range of orthodontic treatment options currently available for adults.

  • Traditional Metal Braces: These are made of high-quality stainless steel, and many orthodontists feel that they are the most effective devices for straightening teeth, especially in cases where there may be severe misalignment. They often produce the desired treatment outcomes faster than any other type of braces.
  • Clear Ceramic Braces: Clear ceramic braces for adults are fitted to the front of the teeth and match the color of the individual’s teeth. Many people who want their braces to be less conspicuous, for aesthetic or professional reasons prefer clear ceramic braces.
  • Lingual or Concealed Braces: Lingual braces have brackets that keep them in place and are affixed to the back of the teeth. These braces are not outwardly visible.
  • Invisalign a.k.a clear aligners: Clear, easily removed plastic tray aligners that are ideal for adult patients with mild teeth-spacing issues. The aligners are able to be removed while eating, when brushing teeth, and when flossing. This is a healthy and hygienic choice for adults considering braces in Brownsburg, IN. These braces are almost invisible and are preferred by people who feel self-conscious about appearing in public with braces on.

At Chapman Orthodontics, Invisalign treatment is quickly gaining popularity and often a top choice for our adult patients.

If you have misaligned or crooked teeth, or just want to improve your smile, adult braces may be the right choice for you. Remember, there is no age limit for treatment for an existing orthodontic problem. The only way to find out what adult orthodontic treatment procedure is right for you is by scheduling a free consultation with Chapman Orthodontics in Brownsburg, IN. Call Dr. Peter Chapman today at: 317.852.5566

Three Techniques An Orthodontist Can Use To Fix My Crooked Teeth

by

 

Dr. Peter Chapman of Chapman Orthodontics works every day with patients who are looking to fix their crooked teeth (malocclusions) and other orthodontic issues. An orthodontist is a dentist that has received special education and training after graduating from dental school. They deal mainly with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of the malposition of teeth and jaws. The professionals of Chapman Orthodontics in Plainfield, IN can help you better understand the benefits of orthodontic treatment for crooked teeth.

Treatment Process

A typical consultation with the professional orthodontics practitioners at Chapman Orthodontics may include:

  1. An analysis and diagnosis of each patient’s unique needs and outcome expectations.

  2. A report on the issues presented by the patient and a discussion with the doctor about treatment options.

  3. A treatment plan designed to correct the problems presented and to provide for the ongoing oral health of the patient.

  4. A strategy of treatment that is affordable, comfortable, and convenient to the patient while ensuring a maximal treatment outcome.

  5. A preliminary schedule to start treatment.

Assessment

Dr. Peter Chapman will assess the current state of your teeth and diagnose if a patient can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Chapman Orthodontics will perform a full medical and dental health history review, take X-rays of your teeth and jaw, do a clinical examination, and cast a plaster model of your teeth to determine the most effective treatment options in each case. Many orthodontists offer an initial consultation where these services will be provided free of charge.

Malocclusion Treatments

A malocclusion refers to crooked or misaligned teeth and is a flaw in the relationship between the bottom and top dental arches.Some examples of malocclusions include crossbite, overbite, underbite, open bite, reverse bite, asymmetrical teeth, and impacted teeth. Three orthodontic techniques doctors use to treat malocclusions include:

  1. Fixed Appliances
    Fixed appliances are used in cases of malocclusion where precision is key.  Appliances that are regularly used are braces, fixed space maintainers, or specially made fixed appliances. Although patients usually can eat normally with these appliances, Dr. Peter Chapman advises patients in Plainfield, IN to avoid some foods and drinks that may damage their appliance (candy, gum, soda).

  2. Removable Appliances
    Chapman Orthodontists use, in some treatments, removable appliances like retainers, lip or cheek bumpers, splints, aligners (like Invisalign), palatal expanders and headgear. Removable appliances can be taken out of the patient’s mouth at any time, unlike fixed appliances. However, they should only be taken out when cleaning, eating, flossing, or if the doctor recommends that they be removed for activities like sports or playing an instrument.

  3. Orthognathic Surgery
    Also referred to as “corrective jaw surgery,” orthognathic surgery is used to correct conditions of the face and jaw; problems that cannot be easily treated with braces. These conditions may be related to other issues like sleep apnea, malocclusions, jaw- or teeth-growth problems, or issues in the structure or function of the jaw. This surgical process involves realigning the bones of the jaw and then keeping them held in place with plates or screws.

Dr. Peter Chapman and the team at Chapman Orthodontics in Plainfield, IN can answer any questions you might have about correcting your crooked teeth, brightening your smile, or for any orthodontic treatment you might be considering.

To find out how you can get the healthy, beautiful smile that you deserve, schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Peter Chapman and the team at Chapman Orthodontics in Plainfield, IN. Call: 317.852.5566

I Know That Braces Can Hurt. Does Invisalign Hurt Too?

by

Dr. Peter Chapman and Chapman Orthodontics are knowledgeable and experienced orthodontic professionals in Brownsburg, IN. They are sensitive to their patient’s lifestyle, needs, and treatment goals when undergoing 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 Hurt.
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 in Brownsburg, IN, call Dr. Peter Chapman at: 317.852.5566

Yong Tau Foo Singapore