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My Kid's Permanent Teeth are Coming in Crooked. Is That Normal?

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 05:48:13 GMT

When your child’s adult teeth start popping up in their mouth, it's like a rite of passage. But what if they come in looking a bit… well, crooked? Is this cause for concern?

The short answer is, it depends. Everyone’s teeth are unique and if permanent teeth come in crooked, they may or may not need orthodontic treatment. It's common for kids’ new teeth to come in at odd angles, only to straighten out as they settle in and as the jaw grows. Think of it as the teeth and jaws working together to find their positions.

However, while some alignment issues can resolve on their own, others might need a bit of help. This is where an orthodontist’s expertise and an early orthodontist visit is especially vital. That’s why the American Association of Orthodontists and us at Evergreen Orthodontics recommend kids have their first orthodontic visit by age seven.

Why Age 7 is the Magic Number for an Orthodontist Visit

So why age seven? Isn't that a bit early? Actually, it's the golden age for an initial orthodontic visit because by this age, kids have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, giving your orthodontist a unique glimpse into the future of your child's smile. An expert orthodontist like Dr. DuRussel is able to assess whether any crookedness is temporary or is a sign of underlying issues like crowding or bite problems. He might suggest early orthodontic intervention or just monitoring your child’s oral development as they grow, introducing braces or Invisalign® in the preteen or teen years if needed.

If your orthodontist in Evergreen, CO does recommend early orthodontic treatment for your child, it will help address crooked teeth during a time when the jaw is more malleable. And treatment in the early years will make orthodontics in the teen years easier — if it’s even needed by then!

What Early Orthodontic Intervention Can Do

Early orthodontic treatment, also called Phase 1 orthodontics, helps a variety of orthodontic issues in young kids, from misaligned jaws to crowded teeth to correcting prolonged infant habits. Addressing these issues can make a big difference in your child’s oral health and their overall quality of life, now and in the future.

Let’s take a look at the most common reasons for orthodontics in your child’s younger years and the benefits of early orthodontic treatment:

1. Guide Jaw Growth: Early treatment can guide the growth of the jaw and address skeletal discrepancies such as underbites, deep bites, or crossbites. This might mean a smoother road ahead when it comes to future orthodontic work. A misaligned jaw can benefit from early orthodontic treatment like limited braces , which includes brackets on only select teeth.

Speaking of braces, you might be wondering, “Can you get braces on baby teeth?” While you can get braces when you have baby teeth, the brackets of limited braces are only attached to the adult teeth when a child has a mix of adult and baby teeth.

2. Make Room for Crowded Teeth: Sometimes, there's not enough room in the mouth for all the adult teeth that have and will come in. The result? Crowded teeth. In this case, we at Evergreen Orthodontics might recommend a palatal expander. A palatal expander is an appliance placed against the palate (the roof of the mouth) that gradually widens your child’s upper jaw and allows more space for adult teeth.

Palatal expander treatment is an option for kids with really crowded teeth because the upper jaw is still in two halves that don’t fully fuse until the teen years. Widening the upper jaw early is easier and more comfortable than doing so with braces later on. Making room for the adult teeth can also reduce the need for tooth extractions.

3. Correct Prolonged Infant Habits: Habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrust are a normal part of a baby’s development. But when these persist into the toddler and early elementary school years, they can impact tooth alignment and bite. Habit-breaking appliances can help your child say goodbye to these teeth-damaging holdovers from infancy.

4. Boost Self-Esteem: Let's not forget the emotional aspect of crooked teeth. Feeling self-conscious about misaligned teeth isn’t just something adults go through — kids can feel it, too. Addressing crooked teeth early can help with confidence.

5. Simplify Later Treatment: As we mentioned earlier, early treatment can simplify or shorten the time needed for braces during the teen years, as well as help avoid the need for tooth extractions.

Set Up An Early Orthodontic Visit With Your Evergreen Orthodontist

An early visit to the orthodontist at age seven is all about ensuring your child's oral health is on the right track. And if you notice those permanent teeth coming in a bit crooked? Give us a shout. Schedule a visit with your board-certified, orthodontist serving Evergreen, CO and find out what's happening in your child’s ever-developing mouth.

Whether your child will need early interceptive treatment or not, being proactive helps the stage for a healthy, confident smile for years to come.

10 Awesome Spots to Do Your Holiday Shopping in Evergreen, CO

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 05:40:35 GMT

The holiday season is fully here! One of the first things to tackle? Shopping — and there’s no better way to shop than locally. To help you plan your local shopping at Evergreen stores, Dr. DuRussel and the Evergreen Orthodontic Specialists team have compiled a list of favorite Evergreen small businesses to support this season. Happy gift-giving!

1. Boone Mountain Sports

We’re an active bunch here at Evergreen Orthodontic Specialists. If the people on your gift-giving list are, too, stop at Boone Mountain Sports . One of our go-to small businesses in Evergreen, this family-owned outdoor outfitter has snow, hiking, and camping gear to help your loved ones enjoy the outdoors in style, comfort, and safety. Keep updated on sponsored events and what’s in-store through their social media .

2. Outbound Mountain Gear

Another spot for outdoor gear shopping in Evergreen, CO, is Outbound Mountain Gear . Your snowboarders and alpine and backcountry skiers will appreciate a gift from this local shop. Outbound Mountain Gear is also a trusted Evergreen bike shop with a curated selection of bikes and accessories for mountain and road.

3. Quiver

Snowboard gear and style are what you’ll find at Quiver . One of the small businesses at the Bergen Village Shopping Center, Quiver is a must-stop for the snowboarder on your holiday list.

4. Nellybelle General Store

Nellybelle is known for its artful flower arrangements, artisanal gifts, and lovely antiques. One of the sweetest little businesses in Evergreen, visit this gem at the Bergen Village Shopping Center during your holiday shopping.

5. Mountain Daisy

Youthful clothes lovers are likely familiar with Mountain Daisy , also located at the Bergen Village Shopping Center. Mountain Daisy features on-trend yet comfy and casual women’s fashions.

6. Evergreen Clothing and Mercantile

Whether you’re gift hunting for a local or out-of-town guest, you’ll find what fits the bill at Evergreen Clothing and Mercantile . One of many long-standing Downtown Evergreen stores, Evergreen Clothing and Mercantile carries something for all ages and seasons.

7. Evergreen Crafters

For 75 years, Evergreen Crafters has been an eclectic shopping destination offering handmade goods and Colorado-inspired items. Find host gifts, presents “from Santa,” and tiny treasures for stockings at this local shopping spot in downtown Evergreen, CO. Plus, there’s free gift wrapping!

8. Willow Creek Restaurant & Provisions at Evergreen Lake

Sometimes quality time over a beautiful meal with a lovely lake view is the best present. That’s when a gift card for or meet-up at Willow Creek Restaurant is the answer. Enjoy a cozy dining experience and seasonal menu while supporting one of the small, family-owned restaurant businesses in Evergreen. Scroll through their social media to inspire your visit.

9. Muddy Buck Coffee House

A mountain town isn’t complete without a few beloved cafés — Muddy Buck Coffee House is one of those favorite, cozy coffee shops in Evergreen, CO. Located in the historic Evergreen Hotel building, the Muddy Buck is full of old-world ambience yet offers coffee, pastries, and light fare for the modern palate. A gift card in a stocking will definitely be welcome!

10. HearthFire Bookstore

After a day outdoors, some like to relax by curling up by the fire with a book and a hot drink. For the readers on your list, book shopping in Evergreen means stopping in at HearthFire Bookstore . Local shopping doesn’t get more local than this family-run, independent bookstore. Check out their Instagram for current events and staff picks.

Your Community Orthodontist in Evergreen, CO

As your local Evergreen, CO, orthodontist, we love supporting fellow local businesses and community organizations. So as well as shopping local, consider donating to one of our favorite Evergreen organizations this season, too.

And how about you? If a new smile is on your holiday wish list, give yourself the gift of a beautiful, healthy grin with braces or Invisalign® ! Start by scheduling a complimentary consultation with Evergreen’s orthodontist of choice. We’re here with friendly care, personalized treatments, and advanced techniques for comfortable, precise care from start to finish.

3D Printing in Orthodontics? Oh Yeah

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 16:25:50 GMT

We can all agree that technology benefits our daily lives in lots of ways. Thankfully, orthodontic technology hasn’t been left behind — an increasing number of orthodontic specialists like your Evergreen, CO orthodontist are embracing 3D printing in their orthodontic practices. It’s a game changer when it comes to revolutionizing patient treatment and service .

Wondering how 3D printing makes orthodontics better? As a high-tech orthodontist, Dr. John DuRussel is big on using leading edge orthodontic technology for creating smiles comfortably and efficiently — we’ve been using a 3D printer since April of 2023 and we’ve seen amazing benefits. Here are six key reasons why we’ve incorporated it into our practice.

1. Precision is the Name of the 3D Game

Braces and clear aligners require a perfect fit in order to shift your teeth comfortably, safely, and in a timely manner. Even small issues with fit can affect your entire treatment. With 3D printing, orthodontists can offer incredible precision — for dental appliances like braces brackets, clear aligners, and clear retainers.

Your Evergreen, CO orthodontic specialist, Dr. John DuRussel, uses our in-house 3D printer to print precise models of our patients’ teeth and oral structures from their digital scans. We use those digital models to make retainers, expanders, and many other custom orthodontic appliances for a perfect fit.

2. Speed Matters

"Come back in two weeks for your appliance" doesn’t have to be the case anymore. Orthodontic appliances such as 3D printed-retainers, 3D-printed aligners, and 3D printed molds can materialize in a matter of hours. With our 3D printer, the ability to create teeth molds in-house at the start of the orthodontic process makes correcting orthodontic issues that much faster right from the get-go.

3. Cost-Effectiveness For Patients

At Evergreen Orthodontics , our goal is to provide the best orthodontic treatment that fits your budget and lifestyle . Now, you might think cutting edge orthodontic technology like 3D printing will push orthodontic treatment out of range. But actually, using 3D printing in orthodontics can lead to cost-effectiveness in the long run. How? Traditional methods of producing your orthodontics often require multiple visits on your part, extensive labor at your orthodontist’s office, and time and manpower at the labs where appliances are produced. Plus there’s the cost of materials. With 3D printing, the process is streamlined and can result in saving both time and production costs.

4. Customization For The Best Outcomes

In orthodontics, custom treatment paired with an efficient, effective, and comfortable experience results in an amazing smile. The Evergreen Orthodontic Specialists team has embraced 3D printing to allow greater customization, whether you’re seeking early orthodontics , teen or adult braces or Invisalign® , or a retainer to lock in your stunning smile.

5. Limitless Possibilities

As we mentioned, we currently use our 3D printer to produce molds for braces, clear aligners, and retainers, but 3D printing in orthodontics can achieve even more. According to this review , uses of 3D printing in orthodontics is seemingly endless; 3D printing is being tapped for producing bracket and archwires, nasoalveolar molding devices, orthognathic surgical splints, removable appliances, expansion appliances, auxiliary attachments, as well as clear aligners and clear retainers. And let's not forget about research and development: 3D printing opens the door to creating new types of dental appliances and improving treatment possibilities for even more beautiful, functional smiles.

6. Environmental Upsides

It’s no secret that your Evergreen, CO orthodontist values nature. When Dr. DuRussel isn’t creating beautiful, functional smiles, you can find him on the water, on the slopes, and in the forest. So it makes sense that we’re your high country orthodontist that considers sustainability. The 3D printing process allows for more efficient use of materials and resources . Plus, many 3D printers use eco-friendly, biodegradable materials like PLA - a corn-based, safe “plastic.”

High Tech Orthodontics In Evergreen, CO

Bottom line? The use of 3D printing in orthodontics is a win for everyone involved, especially you, the patient! From amazing precision to cost- and time-saving benefits, this technology is moving the needle on orthodontic technology.

As a high-tech orthodontist, we’re all about harnessing cutting edge orthodontic technology for the best patient experience. Our 3D printer is one of many innovations we use to ensure our patients — from kids to grandparents — receive efficient, comfortable care. Give us a shout to schedule a complimentary consultation for modern braces or Invisalign in the Evergreen, CO mountain community.

Face Off: Clear Aligners vs. Braces

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 18:55:17 GMT

When you find out that orthodontics are in your future, one of the first questions you might ask is, “Do I choose clear aligners or braces?”

At Evergreen Orthodontic Specialists , we offer what we know will bring out our patients’ best smiles: Invisalign and Spark clear aligners and two types of braces — modern metal braces and ceramic braces. Paired with high tech tools and techniques, you’ll find braces or Invisalign treatment with us more comfortable and dare we say it… fun!

To help you decide whether Invisalign clear aligners or braces are right for you, we’ve gathered a handy comparison of clear aligners vs. braces — nine things to weigh before starting your smile-straightening journey.

1. Appearance

Clear Aligners: Invisalign clear aligners are practically invisible. Made of BPA-free clear plastic, they won't steal the spotlight when you smile.

Braces : More noticeable but we should mention that modern metal braces have thinner wires and smaller brackets than in generations past. And ceramic braces have tooth-colored brackets that blend in with teeth. On the flip side, you can embrace the braces look and show them off with colorful elastics!

2. Comfort

Clear Aligners: Patients report that Invisalign is relatively comfortable. There may be a slight change in comfort every time you switch to your next set but this discomfort goes away quickly.

Braces: Braces can be a little uncomfortable, especially right after adjustments. Thankfully, you can soothe discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief or cold foods. Orthodontic wax can also help ease irritation.

3. Maintenance

Clear Aligners: Pop them out when you eat or drink anything other than water, then rinse with water before putting them back in. Clean daily with a soft toothbrush and water, plus a regular deep clean to keep Invisalign clear aligners clear and free from plaque build-up.

Braces: Having braces is an opportunity to level up your at-home dental cleaning. After all, perfect oral health goes great with a newly-straight smile! Sometimes flossing around braces can be a bit tricky at first but special flossing tools like a floss threader or water flosser can make it easy-peasy.

4. Treatment Time

Clear Aligners: Generally shorter if you have minor orthodontic issues but more complex teeth problems can take the same time as braces or be impossible to treat with clear aligners.

Braces: Just like Invisalign, treatment time with braces — whether they’re metal or ceramic braces — depends on the severity of your orthodontic issues.

5. Cost

Clear Aligners: The cost of clear aligners typically depends on how many sets you need (aka, how severe your case may be) but is generally the same cost or a little more expensive than braces. Why? Because of a high fabrication fee charged by the aligner company. Check with your insurance provider if Invisalign is covered to help lighten out-of-pocket costs.

Braces: Also can depend on the severity of your case but is often more budget-friendly than clear teeth aligners and many insurance plans offer coverage. Evergreen Orthodontic Specialists offers several payment options , including flexible and no-interest payment plans.

6. Eating Restrictions

Clear Aligners: None! Just take them out before you chow down.

Braces: Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods are off-limits since they can damage braces.

7. Dental Checkups

Clear Aligners: Visits to the orthodontist about every 8-12 weeks.

Braces: Checkups and adjustments happen usually every 6-8 weeks.

8. Effectiveness

Clear Aligners: Invisalign technology has come a long way since its introduction 25 years ago. Plus, you’ll be glad to know that if you choose Invisalign with your Evergreen, CO orthodontist, Dr. DuRussel completed the Invisalign Orthodontic Master Program so he’s equipped with advanced Invisalign techniques for success with even the most complex of cases.

Braces: Many patients (and orthodontists) opt for braces because when it comes to clear aligners vs. braces, braces have a much longer history of resolving even the toughest alignment problems. Especially when it comes to correcting serious bite issues.

9. Customization

Clear Aligners: Designed and customized to fit your teeth only.

Braces: Also semi-customized by your orthodontist to fit your teeth and dental arches to achieve the desired results — but it’s the braces treatment plan with your Evergreen orthodontist that’s personalized to you.

Your Expert Braces or Invisalign Treatment in Evergreen, CO

Rest assured, Invisalign and both types of modern braces we offer give our patients the beautiful and healthy smiles they’re after. So, the choice between clear aligners and braces ultimately depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. Together with Dr. DuRussel, you’ll determine which is best for your personal smile journey.

Contact your Evergreen, CO orthodontic team for a complimentary consultation.

6 Braces-Friendly Alternatives to Your Fave Crunchy Snacks | Braces-Friendly Snacks

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 08:55:54 GMT

When you get braces, one of the first adjustments you make to your daily life is what you can (or cannot) eat. There are some foods to avoid with braces in order to ensure you don’t damage or break them. A type of food you have to be careful about? Hard and crunchy foods.

But what if you’re craving a bit of crunch? After all, eating with braces can’t mean just eating soft foods all the time, right? So here, Dr. DuRussel and the team at Evergreen Orthodontic Specialists share six braces-friendly alternatives to the typical crunchy foods you reached for before braces.

1. Roasted Veggies & Hummus

Carrot and celery sticks, raw broccoli… a few of the usual suspects for raw veggies and dip. But with braces, biting into these can damage your braces. A softer and tasty alternative for eating with braces is roasted veggies and hummus .

2. Cheese Puffs Like Pirate’s Booty

How about Cheetos®? As an orthodontist who has seen plenty of damaged braces from crunchy foods, we suggest skipping these hard cheesy snacks. Instead, try cheese puffs. They melt in your mouth and provide the same flavor satisfaction without being hard on your braces. Pirate’s Booty is a great example of healthier cheese puffs that have kid appeal and will fulfill that Cheetos craving.

3. Butter Crackers Like Ritz

Crackers are a popular snack, especially for kids. But many crackers are crunchy and would be on the list of foods to avoid with braces. Switch to butter crackers that crumble and melt in the mouth, like Ritz crackers .

4. Snap Pea Crisps Instead of Chips

Can you eat chips or Doritos with braces? We suggest putting chips firmly in the “what not to eat with braces” category. Satisfy your chips craving with snap pea crisps — a chip-like snack that shatters into thin, braces-friendly pieces and melts in your mouth. Bonus? These snacks made of peas and rice Harvest Snaps are considered a healthier alternative to chips. They’re baked, have more protein than chips, and contain some of the nutrients from the peas.

Healthwise, alternatives like kale, sweet potato, or carrot chips tend to be nicer on braces than regular chips, too.

5. Seaweed Snacks For That Salt Craving

Sometimes it’s not so much the crunch you want, it’s the saltiness. Roasted seaweed snacks offer a salty taste without the danger of crunch. And you can bet that seaweed snacks come with a host of nutritional benefits . Count fiber, iodine, and vitamins B6 and B12 as the health perks of this salty snack.

6. Sliced Fruit Instead of Whole

Raw fruit is one of those go-to snacks at any time of day. With braces, biting into a whole, crunchy fruit like an apple can damage or even break braces . But you don’t have to avoid them. Cut your crunchy raw fruit into small slices or bite-sized bits for fruit that’s gentler on braces.

Taking the Best Care of Your Smile In The Mountain Communities

Contact a knowledgeable and friendly team if you have any questions about what to eat with braces.

Or if you haven’t decided on your orthodontics yet, we’re here to help patients of all ages in Evergreen, CO achieve the smile they want with modern, comfortable braces and Invisalign .

6 Common Myths About Invisalign Treatment

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 05:42:03 GMT

So orthodontics is in your or your child’s future and you’re wondering about Invisalign® as a treatment option. Well, you’ll be glad to hear that since its introduction 25 years ago, Invisalign treatment has helped 14 million people worldwide achieve the smile transformation they always wanted. But even so, we understand you might’ve heard a few misconceptions about the Invisalign process that leave you uncertain.

With this in mind, Dr. John DuRussel and the team at Evergreen Orthodontic Specialists want to shed a little more light on 6 of these common myths — top-of-mind questions our patients wonder about when weighing their orthodontic options.

Myth 1: Invisalign Is Only For Minor Dental Issues

Fact: Invisalign treatment isn’t just for minor orthodontic issues. So what can Invisalign fix? While it’s well-known for correcting mild to moderate cases of misalignment like crooked teeth, gaps, or crowding, Invisalign can also address more complex orthodontic problems — especially in the hands of an experienced Invisalign doctor like Evergreen , CO orthodontist, Dr. DuRussel . In fact, Dr. DuRussel has gone above and beyond for his patients — he recently completed the Invisalign Orthodontic Master Program, a comprehensive curriculum for orthodontists to master advanced Invisalign techniques.

Correcting difficult cases is also built into the Invisalign process. Treatment is designed utilizing high-tech digital planning tools for precise tooth movements from beginning to end. Your Invisalign clear aligners are then custom-made at the Invisalign lab according to that personalized treatment plan. As well, some types of Invisalign treatments can involve attachments and elastics to correct jaw misalignment like overbites, underbites or crossbites.

Myth 2: Invisalign Treatment Takes Longer Than Traditional Braces

Fact: One common perception is that Invisalign treatment takes longer than traditional braces. But as your Evergreen, CO orthodontist, we’re here to let you know that Invisalign treatment time is as unique as your teeth and depends on factors like the complexity of your case, your age, and your oral health.

Invisalign can transform your smile within a similar timeframe as braces or sometimes even faster. What contributes to efficient Invisalign treatment is oversight by an Invisalign doctor like Dr. DuRussel who comes with a high level of Invisalign expertise.

Invisalign treatment time also depends on you: you have to wear your clear aligners for the recommended 22 hours per day, follow your treatment schedule for changing your tee sets, and check in with your orthodontist at the scheduled intervals. Maintaining excellent oral health is also vital: cavities or tooth decay can interrupt treatment and prolong it.

Myth 3: Invisalign Is Uncomfortable

Fact: One of the advantages of Invisalign clear aligners is the comfort factor. Made from smooth, BPA-free plastic, these aligners custom fit to teeth, ensuring a snug and precise wear. Unlike traditional braces, which can cause irritation and sores on the soft tissue in your mouth, Invisalign aligners don’t have metal brackets or wires that could scrape against your gums, cheeks, or tongue.

While you may experience mild pressure or discomfort when you begin treatment or when you switch to your next set of aligners, this typically subsides quickly as your teeth get used to wearing them. Invisalign is designed to shift teeth gradually and incrementally, resulting in a relatively gentle orthodontic experience.

Myth 4: Invisalign Aligners Are Visibly Noticeable

Fact: A key attraction of Invisalign treatment is that the aligners are virtually invisible. They’re transparent and cut to fit right to the gum line so they blend seamlessly with your teeth. Some patients even report that their friends, family, or coworkers don’t notice their Invisalign clear aligners unless standing right up close and intentionally looking at the mouth. With Invisalign for adults and teens , this near invisibility is a welcome perk versus the obvious look of traditional metal braces.

Myth 5: Invisalign Treatment Requires A Change To What You Eat

Fact: With braces, you have to modify what you eat to avoid damaging your appliance or getting food stuck in them. But Invisalign aligners offer more freedom — in fact, you can eat and drink as usual because most orthodontists recommend removing your clear aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Once you've finished your meal, simply brush your teeth, rinse your mouth, and put your aligners back in.

Myth 6: Invisalign Is Only For Adults

Fact: As we mentioned, Invisalign is a great choice for adults seeking discreet orthodontic treatment. But did you know it’s also great for teens who historically would be sporting braces? Invisalign offers a line of aligners specifically for teenagers known as Invisalign Teen® .

Invisalign Teen incorporates features that don’t appear in Invisalign for adults such as:

Eruption Tabs

Teen mouths aren’t always fully developed when it’s time for orthodontics. Invisalign Teen has special ‘eruption tabs’ at the back to accommodate growing molars.

Compliance Indicators

These are small blue dots printed on Invisalign Teen aligners. These dots fade after two weeks of wear to indicate wear time and alert the patient that it’s time to progress to the next set.

Replacement Aligners

Busy teens with schedules packed with school, jobs, and extra-curriculars might be more prone to misplace their clear aligners in the hustle and bustle. So Invisalign for teens comes with extra sets of aligners in case original ones get lost or damaged.

Your Expert Orthodontist in Evergreen, CO for Amazing Invisalign Treatment

Now that we’ve set the record straight about a few Invisalign misconceptions, are you ready to move forward with Invisalign? If so, contact your board certified orthodontist , Dr. DuRussel and his highly-skilled team at Evergreen Orthodontic Specialists. We’re here to design a custom Invisalign smile that strikes the perfect balance of aesthetics, function and health.

Schedule a complimentary consultation to start your Invisalign journey towards a confident, new smile!