braces Archives - MomStart

My New Smile Thanks To Dr. Bruner Orthodontics & The Damon System

April 21, 2014 by Momstart 8 Comments

Writing about myself is the most difficult thing for me to write about which is why I’m just now getting around to writing about my new smile. I would rather talk about anyone or anything other than myself. So my journey about my braces was hard to share, not because I didn’t like it but because I felt like I was bragging and from looks, most people didn’t think I needed braces in the first place.

My first smile I had a gap. You can hardly see it in the photo but if you look at how my teeth lined up in the next photo you can see that I had more than just a gap.

I had a class three overbite and was originally told that I would have to have surgery to correct. Uh, no thanks I don’t need surgery for a new smile. But then I was approached by the Ormco and the Damon Clear virtually invisible, brackets about working with the Damon System. I thought it’s worth a try. And I’m glad I did it. So many people tell me how much they love my smile. Plus after being so diligent with the instructions Dr. Bruner gave me along with the nature of how the Damon System works I got them off four months early. I only wore the braces for 13 months.

Just look at my smile now

I love how my teeth line up and eating is much easier. I can bite through lettuce and that was something that I was never able to do with my front teeth before.

Here is an up close and personal shot with my two front teeth. LOVE IT.

Would I do it again if I could go back and have a do over. You bet. Bruner Orthodontics walked me through every step, held my hand answered any questions and made the whole process as smooth as possible. His staff is amazing and very friendly. They all even got to know my children really well which made things even better. They were always entertained with Wii station.

I highly recommend Bruner Orthodontics in Redmond WA and the Damon System.

Damon Diva: The First Month of Having Braces

February 4, 2013 by Momstart 9 Comments

The night before getting braces I recorded a video talking about how nervous I was to get braces. I’ve heard that a lot of people are so excited to get braces, perhaps because most of my needs were for better overall health instead of appearance I wasn’t that excited. I also HATE going to the dentist and the word “Procedure” and getting braces put on is a bit of a procedure in my mind. I know an orthodontist is different from a dentist but I was just not looking forward to it. Here is my night before video:

I went into Dr. Bruner’s office as schedule and he talked me through how the bonding process would go. They did some prep work, they polished my teeth, applied the glue and added brackets, then they added the wires and I was done.

Remember how before I said that I wasn’t eligible for the clear aligners? The thing is that the Damon System allows for my teeth to move along the wire in the direction we need them to move. I’m using rubber bands to pull by bottom teeth back to correct the class 3 overbite that I have. Over the course of a few months those teeth will have made more space in my bottom quadrant allowing us to work on another area. The aligners don’t work that way, neither do conventional braces. Regular braces take much more tightening and pulling and more visits to the orthodontist. The Damon System means typically less time in treatment and fewer adjustments meaning less time in the office— which delights me to no end.

The whole process took about 45 minutes just like they said it would and I took a few videos while I was at his office including my initial reaction of what it feels like to have braces. I think I was in shock. It was much more than I expected. I knew my mouth would be sore but I wasn’t expecting how the braces would feel against my mouth.

As I was leaving, Dr. Bruner took his photo with me and then he could tell that I was a bit upset and he consoled me. I have to be honest with all of you and say that as an adult it’s quite a difference to come out of the process and feel normal. After the bonding process I felt like what in the world did I just do, why did I do this, were my teeth really bad enough to need braces? I felt like maybe I made the wrong decision. Having Dr. Bruner validate my feelings by telling me a story about his wife really helped me cope with the discomfort and my emotional status. I’m here to tell all of you, when you get braces, your experience may be just fine. A friend of mine, her son had braces put on just a few days after me and he had no adjustment issues at all. You may also feel like me and wish you hadn’t gone through with it. I know that the overall look will be worth it in the end……it’s just an adjustment. Both feelings are ok and normal.

It’s been a month now and I’m actually starting to adjust to having braces. The shock I first had is gone and I’m looking forward to seeing changes soon. At my three week follow up appointment, Dr. Bruner showed me that if I continue to change out my bands and wear them all the time in just six more weeks I could start to see a solid change. That, I’m quite excited about. I’ll keep you updated on my progress as time keeps passing.

If you’re interested in finding out more information or if the Damon System is right for you then use the Doctor Locator to find your nearest Damon System orthodontist and ask them how you may benefit from Damon Braces.

I’m a Damon Diva and am being compensated for my time and will be treated with the Damon System and sharing that experience with you.

New Braces Equals New Smile Equals New Habits this Year! Listerine Ultraclean Giveaway

January 25, 2013 by Momstart 47 Comments

Yes I’m working with Ormco and they are providing me with new braces which means I have to make sure I take care of my teeth. That means extra brushing between meals, flossing and just to go that extra mile I’m using mouth wash almost as often as I’m brushing my teeth. I really want to take care of my Damon Clear braces and Listerine is going to help.

LISTERINE® has several NEW products that can help!

NEW LISTERINE® ULTRACLEAN™

The only leading mouthwash with an anti-tartar ingredient, and new EVERFRESH Technology for a dentist clean feeling that lasts up to 3x longer vs. brushing alone. Plus, it provides the superior plaque and gingivitis germ-killing benefits you’ve come to expect from original LISTERINE® Antiseptic.

LISTERINE® WHITENING® ORIGINAL GEL

Whitens teeth by removing surface stains and controls tartar to help prevent stains and provide a healthy looking white smile. It restores enamel and strengthens teeth, while also killing bad breath germs to freshen breath and provides fluoride to protect teeth from cavities.

LISTERINE® ULTRACLEAN™

· Features unique EVERFRESH™ technology that provides a powerful “dentist clean” feeling up to 3X longer vs. brushing alone

· The only leading mouthwash that includes an anti-tartar ingredient proven to control tartar build-up

· Reaches 75 percent of the mouth that brushing alone misses and provides 24-hour protection against germs that cause plaque and gingivitis when used twice daily for 30 seconds during morning and nighttime oral care routines.

· Available in Cool Mint, Artic Mint, Fresh Citrus.

· LISTERINE® ULTRACLEAN™ can be purchased at all food, drug and mass merchandise outlets starting at $3.89 for a 250 ml bottle

LISTERINE® WHITENING® ORIGINAL GEL

· Whitens teeth by removing surface stains and controls tartar to help prevent stains and provide a healthy looking white smile

· Restores enamel and strengthens teeth

· Kills bad breath germs to freshen breath

· Provides fluoride to protect teeth from cavities

· For maximum benefits, it should be used twice daily for 30 seconds during morning and nighttime oral care routines

· Available in Power Mint

· LISTERINE® WHITENING® Original Gel can be purchased at all food, drug and mass merchandise outlets starting at $4.49 for a 4.2 oz. tube

Maybe you don’t have braces like I do but taking care of your mouth, teeth and gums is still very important.

Did you know your mouth contains more germs than there are number of people on earth?

That’s right – and believe it or not, even if you brush twice a day, you’re likely missing millions of them! In fact, brushing alone misses 75% of your mouth, which is why it’s critical to floss regularly and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash twice a day, like LISTERINE® that that penetrates all over for that whole mouth clean!

Currently, more than 75% of American adults suffer from some form of periodontal (gum) disease and may not even know it. It’s time for everyone to make a change. Listerine is here to help you take the first step towards a healthier mouth in 2013.

Enter to Win:

Listerine Mouth Cleaning Products

To Enter:

Leave a comment here on MomStart telling us if you like mouthwash or now

Extra Entries:

Use the rafflecopter and leave us a way to verify your entry

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Samples received. This giveaway ends February 5th. Please see our giveaway rules

My First Orthodontic Appointment EVER

January 11, 2013 by Momstart 4 Comments

My First Orthodontic Appointment EVER

I recently visited the Orthodontist Dr. Matthew K. Bruner who comes highly recommended. At my appointment I was really impressed with his office—he was working on four different patients all at the same time. Considering I’ve never been to an orthodontist, I wouldn’t have any idea if this was normal or not, but it sure seems to raise efficiency.

At my appointment they took a lot of photos. They took a photo of my profile, my mouth open and my mouth closed. Then they took photos of my teeth. They put these mouth openers, they were placed on both sides and they took photos of all angles of my teeth with a camera much like mine. Then they used a machine that took a 180 degree x-ray of my teeth. This allowed them to look at my roots and overall health of my mouth and teeth. Damon System orthodontists are trained to take the whole patient into account: the shape of your face, your profile, what you will look like into your 40s, 50s… and beyond. The Damon System is based on a unique treatment philosophy that goes beyond straight teeth.

From this Dr. Bruner was able to determine that I have a Class 3 overbite and that many of my teeth do not line up. You can see on the photo which teeth aren’t lined up by the pen marks Dr. Bruner drew on teeth. The bottom of my chin is not quite lined up with the center of my eyes. That kind of correction could have been fixed if I had braces earlier in life but now my mouth is pretty much formed. They are however, going to try and move my jaw back with the Damon System. We did go over all options, I even asked about invisible liners and he said they wouldn’t solve the problems that I have. Liners can not move my teeth back to correct the class three overbite, or allow my teeth to adjust gradually over the next 18 months.

And I’m really excited that they will be using the Damon Clear, virtually invisible, brackets for my treatment. I’m a bit nervous about getting braces, excited for the outcome but really nervous. Going to the dentist has never been something that I enjoy. My bonding process has taken place, and I’m going to share that experience with you very soon.

I’m a Damon Diva and am being compensated for my time and will be treated with the Damon System and sharing that experience with you.

I’m a Damon Diva #DamonDiva

October 30, 2012 by Momstart 10 Comments

Earlier this month or was it really last month? Wow, how time flies when you have kids that are in school and you have a very full schedule and you’re practically working full time. Anyway, I attended a trip to Orange County where I met the company behind the Damon System and learned why I should consider using it!

The Damon System is a unique set of braces that not only straighten your teeth but move them to correct overbites and other orthodontic issues that affect that appearance of your smile. Plus treatment is six months faster on average than with traditional braces. There are so many people out there that struggle with self-confidence issues because they don’t like their smile. My husband used to never smile—he hated the way his teeth looked. He’s been getting his teeth fixed, not for cosmetic issues but for other reasons and now he has more confidence and his mouth looks great. (I never thought there was anything wrong though, just not something I notice when I look at people) That personal thought being said, our world doesn’t work like that. People are promoted and accepted by their looks when we want to get that job we have to look our best.

That’s what the Damon System does, it provides people with self-confidence, gives you healthier teeth and gums, and a broader smile. Like I mentioned above, the system moves your teeth along the wires giving you a broader, healthier looking smile while enhancing your facial features. A nice smile is not only beautiful, it also promotes good health. When your teeth are straight and evenly spaced, your teeth are easier to keep clean and properly aligned teeth chew more efficiently, which may help digestion. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that cause not only tooth decay but may lead to gum disease and tooth loss.

I just wanted to give you a very quick overview as I’m going to be delving into my own personal experience. If you’re interested in finding out more information or if the Damon system is right for you then use the Doctor Locator to find your nearest Damon orthodontist and ask them how you may benefit from the Damon System treatment.

I’m a Damon Diva and am being compensated for my time and will be treated with the Damon System and sharing that experience with you.

Smiling through Adversity Bethany Hamilton Damon System

November 16, 2011 by Momstart 5 Comments

I was listening to a webinar this morning for a better smile by the Damon® System, an orthodontic treatment that combines “tieless” braces with advanced memory wire. These advanced orthodontic treatment options offer fast, comfortable and virtually invisible braces for teens, children and adults of all ages.

I have a gap in my teeth, there isn’t enough room in my mouth for my tongue to sit so while I’m sleeping my tongue pushes out against my top teeth and it causes me to have a gap. I’ve talked to my dentist about fixing it and he said he would probably have to do jaw surgery to fix my teeth. Um, no thank you. He did say he could fix it, but because there isn’t enough room in my mouth for my tongue I would end up with another gap. So I’m wondering if the Damon System would be able to help.

This is what I learned:

Bethany Hamilton, the Soul Surfer who was attacked by a shark and is now completely recovered and back into competing and sharing her story had a terrible smile. A dentist was watching one of interviews and wanted to do something to help her, so he offered her his services. After some time passed Bethany’s family contacted them and he decided to use the Damon System to correct her teeth, and he knew if it didn’t work they might have to resort to jaw surgery, but guess what, it worked and she now has an amazing smile.

How it works:

Damon passive self-ligating braces that eliminate the need for elastic or metal "ties". With Damon tie-less braces you can experience treatment without tightening.
Light high-technology shape-memory wires that move teeth faster and require fewer adjustments.
A new clinically proven treatment approach that aligns your teeth and enhances your facial aesthetics—usually without extractions or rapid palatal expanders.

So in my particular case, The Damon System might or might not help me, I’ll have to ask my dentist. There are reasons why this system works well in children because they are still growing. The shape of their mouth is still changing and is much easier to manipulate. Bethany was a young teenager when they started the Damon System process which is one of the reasons it worked so well. The other reason it worked so well is because of it’s unique system, which is why it also works on adults. It’s a little different than traditional braces. They don’t use a ring. You have fewer treatments. The combination of the bands and the head gear provide more room for growth. So I’m pretty sure that my dentist’s original statement is true, my mouth is finished moving on it’s own. However, I might still bring it up at my next appointment and see what they say it wouldn’t hurt to ask. You should find out about your own case with your own dentist. Make sure you ask about the Damon System the next time you go in if you’re considering braces. Remember I’m no expert on any medical issue.

No more embarrassment with Invisalign

April 15, 2009 by MomStart 3 Comments

Teenagers go through enough embarrassment starting in middle school and into high school, they do not need to have more added to it with metal braces. I was lucky, I didn’t need them, my husband his family couldn’t afford them. My children, well, the dentist says it’s too early to tell. My daughter’s teeth are completely crooked but she has a lot of room in her mouth for her adult teeth to come in straight. So we shall see.

“Not everyone is born with a perfect smile. So for many teens, wearing braces is inevitable,” said Calif.-based Orthodontist, Mark A. Lowe, D.D.S. (www.drloweortho.com). “The good news is that today’s image-conscious teens now have a choice for straightening their teeth. There are proven alternatives such as clear, removable braces, like Invisalign Teen, that are comparable in cost to metal braces, but meet teens’ desire for aesthetic treatment and are a better fit for their busy lifestyles filled with sports, music and other activities.”

Today, with the internet and science we can see what our options are with the touch of our fingers. One company even contacted me and asked me to review their product, but as my kids are too young we don’t need it yet. However, they send me a media kit to look at and I am impressed.

Side by side view, I know you can get invisible spacers too but you can still tell that they are in the mouth. You can’t really tell by the picture that the one on the right has the invisible guard. They are made specially for each person.

“When you walk into a room with braces you feel like everyone is looking at you or when you’re talking to someone you feel like they’re looking at your braces,” admits 14-year-old high-school freshman Elizabeth C. “With Invisalign, it’s cool because your teeth are getting straighter, but people don’t even realize you have them. I don’t worry about wearing my aligners during cheerleading, winter guard or swim practice either. They are safe to wear and they don’t interfere with my life.”

The sample I was sent, I put it in my mouth. Of course it doesn’t fit because it wasn’t molded to my mouth. It even says this is not for use. However, I wanted to see if it had a funny taste or smell and you can’t really tell unless you take the plunge right. No taste, no smell. I am no expert on the topic. I just have a lot of information presented to me. And in 10-15 years when we’ll be looking into this option for our own children there could be even more advances in orthodontics. I mean, there will be of course, but if you need something now this is something you should look into.

About the company:

Invisalign Teen is part of the Invisalign product family developed by Align Technology, Inc. Invisalign Teen is a clear, plastic aligner therapy that was developed with leading orthodontists who understand the active lifestyles, unique treatment and compliance needs of teens. An effective alternative to metal braces, the new Invisalign Teen product combines the benefits of the proven Invisalign system with new features like blue Compliance Indicators that are designed to gradually fade as the aligner is worn, Eruption Tabs that accommodate the growth of secondary molars, and other features that address clinical needs common to teen patients. For more information on Invisalign Teen, please visit: www.invisalignteen.com.

Here are some survey results of how teenagers feel about appearance and braces and yes this information was taken from Invisalign:

Survey Findings at a Glance

A closer look at the data reveals other key insights:

§ In Search of a Smile. Only four percent of respondents would flash their pearly whites more often if wearing metal braces. The survey shows that a higher number of older teens would stop themselves from cracking a smile. Over half (55%) of those ages 15-17 would smile less, compared to 44 percent of 12-14 year-olds.

§ Gender Clash. Teen boys are more mindful of all the negative things that go along with wearing metal braces, while girls are a little more willing to see the brighter side. Over half (53%) of males ages 12-17 would smile less if they had metal braces, compared to less than one in two (46%) of their female counterparts. In addition, teen girls are more likely than boys to note some positive things about having metal braces, such as being able to customize them (43% vs. 24%) and the fact that braces can make you more conscientious about dental hygiene at a young age (37% vs. 30%).

§ Brace Yourselves. Though a majority (62%), feel that wearing metal braces as a teen is painful and uncomfortable, the effects go deeper than this. More than one in two (54%) teens believe wearing metal braces makes them self-conscious about smiling.

§ Why They’re Not Turning Their Frowns Upside-Down. Braces seem to exacerbate many common teenage issues. Over a third (35%) believe teens with metal braces get made fun of, and nearly a quarter (24%) think metal braces lower a teen’s self-esteem.

§ Not In This Together. Wearing metal braces apparently isn’t the best bonding experience, as just four percent of 12-17 year-olds believe they allow teens to fit in with their peers. And, contrary to popular belief, just 11 percent feel that having metal braces is a teen rite of passage.

§ West Coast: Image is everything. While some might argue about where trends are born, West Coast teens agree on one thing – braces are not for the image-conscious. Nearly two-thirds (60%), say braces make teens more self conscious about smiling, compared to 53% of teens living elsewhere. West Coast teens are also more likely than the rest of their peers to believe braces lower self-esteem (29% vs. 22%).

The Invisalign Teen survey sampled 510 U.S. respondents aged 12-17 with a 95% confidence level of +/- 4.3 percentage points.

With any treatment you do for yourself or your children. Do your own due diligence. Do research the costs, advantages and disadvantages. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist, gather opinions and don’t trust everything you read on the internet. Ask questions.

~~~ Louise ~~~