How Braces Can Help Correct Speech Problems

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When you think about braces in Norton, OH, you probably picture using them for straightening your teeth. But orthodontics can also make a big difference in the way you are able to speak. Misaligned teeth and jaw issues can affect how your tongue moves and where it rests. And this, in turn, influences how certain sounds are formed. But what many people don’t realize is that braces and aligners can help correct the source of their speech issues.

So, let’s talk about that for a minute.

How Misaligned Teeth Affect Speech

Teeth and jaw alignment play a major role in clear pronunciation. When you have gaps in your teeth, crowded teeth, or bite issues, your tongue might struggle to make proper contact with your teeth. This can lead to lisps, whistling sounds, or difficulty pronouncing certain letters. These issues can affect speech development and lead to slurring or mumbling certain words due to poor alignment. Your orthodontist in Norton, OH, will go into more detail about all this with you.

How Braces and Aligners Help

Braces in Norton, OH, work by gently guiding your teeth into their ideal positions. This will, in turn, improve both your bite and the way your tongue interacts with your teeth. As your alignment improves, pronunciation will usually become clearer and your speech patterns more natural. Clear aligners can achieve similar results, especially for those with mild to moderate spacing or bite issues. While you might notice temporary changes in your speech during the adjustment period, the speech clarity will significantly improve as your treatment progresses.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Orthodontist in Norton, OH?

If you’re ready to discover how braces or aligners could improve your smile and your speech, please Contact Hockenberger Orthodontics today. Go ahead and take the first step toward speaking and smiling with confidence.

How Long Will Your Teen Have to Wear Braces? 

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Has your teen been told that they need to wear braces? They may be wondering just how long this orthodontic treatment is going to last. At Hockenberger Orthodontics, our orthodontist in Norton, OH, treats many teen patients with braces. Here’s a better idea of roughly how long your child may need to wear them.

Has Your Child Had Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Some kids end up having orthodontic care early in life before they reach their teen years. This treatment approach may shorten the amount of time your teen will have to wear braces if they had it when they were younger.

What Problems Does Your Teen Need Braces For?

Does your teen want straighter teeth? Or do they have a severe bite problem or multiple issues? When your child gets braces in Norton, OH, their treatment time can vary widely based on what’s being treated. Minor or slight issues might only require a year to treat, but more complicated or severe problems may need a couple of years.

Is Your Teen Willing to Follow Treatment Instructions?

This plays a big role in how long your teen will be wearing braces. If they follow our instructions and properly care for their braces, they may have a shorter treatment time. Keep in mind that they’ll need to wear a retainer once they’re done with their braces to help maintain their orthodontic results.

Make an Orthodontic Appointment for Your Teen Today!

Does your teen have a misaligned jaw or crooked teeth? Our team at Hockenberger Orthodontics offers braces in Norton, OH, to help correct jaw and tooth alignment problems in adolescents, setting the stage for healthier teeth and a beautiful smile!

Do Braces Hurt?

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It’s normal to be nervous before getting braces, and many patients—especially kids—ask the same thing: “Will it hurt?” The short answer is no. Braces don’t actually cause pain. What they can bring, though, is a bit of temporary discomfort as the teeth and mouth adjust to the new hardware.

Getting Started

When metal braces in Norton, OH are first placed on the teeth, patients may notice a sense of pressure or tightness on their teeth. It isn’t painful, but it can feel different than the teeth normally feel, almost like the way muscles ache after exercise. This sensation usually fades after the first few days. During that time, sticking to softer foods and rinsing with warm saltwater can make things easier.

Adjustments Along the Way

Orthodontists schedule follow-up visits to adjust wires and keep treatment moving. These appointments sometimes bring back that familiar sense of pressure for a short while. Again, it isn’t pain—just the teeth responding to gentle force. Over-the-counter pain relievers or orthodontic wax can help ease any irritation from brackets or wires rubbing against the cheeks.

Life Once You’ve Adjusted

After the initial period, most patients hardly notice their braces. Everyday activities—talking, eating, laughing—feel normal again. While the occasional sore spot may pop up, it’s usually quick to resolve. Orthodontists are also skilled at making small tweaks if anything feels bothersome, so no one has to tough it out.

Braces don’t hurt in the way many people imagine. At most, they bring temporary soreness that signals the teeth are moving into healthier alignment. And for most patients, that brief adjustment is a small price to pay for the lasting reward of a straight, confident smile. For more information about what to expect with braces, contact your orthodontist in Norton, OH at Hockenberger Orthodontics.

Are Clear Braces and Clear Aligners the Same Treatment?

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If you want to align your mouth, you have more options than ever before. Whether you’re trying to correct your bite or just straighten a crowded section of your mouth, brands of every variety have come out with different solutions for nearly every kind of patient. If you’re looking to avoid a mouthful of metal, we’ll look at the difference between clear braces and clear aligners in Norton, OH.

Clear Aligners vs. Clear Braces

Clear aligners are not the same product as clear braces. Clear braces refer to traditional braces, except the brackets are either clear or white, so they blend into your smile. Clear aligners refer to removable trays that you wear around 22 hours a day. These trays are custom-molded to your mouth to shift your teeth and jaw.

Which One Is Better?

It’s not a question of which treatment is better, only which one will help you most. Clear aligners are typically recommended to people with mild to moderate cases, while clear braces can help people with more complex needs. The good news is that both types of treatments can give you the confidence you need to smile wide, even if clear braces typically require more commitment on the part of the wearer.

Finding an Orthodontist in Norton

No matter what type of treatment you choose, an orthodontist in Norton can give you (or your teen) a better smile. Far more than just looking better in photos, straighter teeth, healthier gums, and an aligned jaw makes it easier to keep up with dental hygiene at home, which can be the key to a lifetime of healthy teeth. At Hockenberger Orthodontics, we’re here to walk you through the options, so you can get started!

Oh No! What to Do if Your Braces Break

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Taking proper care of your braces is important when you’re under orthodontic care with Hockenberger Orthodontics. Yet even with the best care, sometimes brackets or wires will break or come undone. When that happens, a quick visit to the orthodontist in Norton, OH, is vital. As you wait for your appointment, here’s what you need to do.

Save any Pieces

First, if a piece of your braces is completely detached, then put it in a baggie so you can bring it to your appointment. Your orthodontist may be able to put it back on when you get to your appointment.

Reattach Loose Parts

If you have a part that’s come loose and you can reattach it, then do so. Try using a cotton swab to put it back where it belongs. Don’t use too much pressure, as you might worsen the issue, but don’t be afraid to try.

Protect Your Cheeks and Gums

If you have any wires or brackets pocking you, use orthodontic wax to cover them until you can get seen. Do not try to break or cut them. You might have to deal with some temporary poking and discomfort until you can get to your appointment, but trying to cut the braces will make things worse.

Eat Carefully

Until your appointment with your orthodontist in Norton, OH, stick to eating softer foods. Avoiding hard and crunchy items can prevent further damage and irritation.

Keep Brushing and Flossing

Even if your braces are broken, you need to keep brushing and flossing to keep your teeth healthy and clean. These actions are unlikely to cause further damage.

Remember, if you have a broken wire or bracket on your braces, call us at Hockenberger Orthodontics for an appointment right away. Soon, we will get things back where they should be so you can continue your orthodontic treatment.

5 Benefits of Metal Braces 

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Does your child have crooked or crowded teeth? Or are you exploring your options for correcting problems with your own teeth? Metal braces are the traditional choice for making teeth straighter and fixing bite problems. Our orthodontist in Norton, OH, at Hockenberger Orthodontics offers this option for many reasons. Let’s explore the main benefits that metal braces provide!

Affordability

Metal braces tend to cost less than clear braces or clear aligners. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly orthodontic option, this may be the best choice for you.

Effectiveness for Overcrowded Teeth

Do you or your child need braces for overcrowding? Other options may not provide the same results as metal braces. These braces are highly effective at correcting this problem for more evenly spaced teeth.

Durability

Orthodontic treatments usually take months. Having a durable option means less risk of having braces break during treatment. Metal braces are incredibly durable, so you don’t have to worry much about needing them repaired.

Different Colors Available

One possible drawback of metal braces is their visibility. But with various colors available for elastics and brackets, these braces can be a fun way for you or your child to add some flair to your orthodontic treatment.

No Risk of Being Lost

Since metal braces are fixed to teeth, you can’t lose them. They stay on your teeth until your treatment is done. Clear aligners are removable, making them easier to accidentally misplace.

Set Up an Appointment for an Orthodontic Consultation!

Are you trying to decide on orthodontic treatment for your child or yourself? We can help you compare options and make the right choice! Our orthodontist offers different types of braces in Norton, OH, along with other treatment options.

Why Does Traditional Braces Treatment Take so Long?

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Gettingbraces in Norton, OH is a fantastic step toward a healthier, straighter smile, but for many teens in particular, the process can feel like it takes forever. Granted, two years is no small potatoes, but if you’ve ever waited for anything special for any length of time, you likely already know that the good stuff in life is worth waiting for.

Teeth Move Slowly for a Reason

Think about it. Your teeth are anchored in bone. Could you move something anchored in bone or a rock-like substance? Not likely. Just like King Arthur’s sword, a gentle touch is needed to shift teeth into their correct position and that take time. Slow and steady movement gives the bone time to adjust and rebuild around the teeth, ensuring they stay put once the braces come off. Rushing the process could lead to discomfort or even cause teeth to shift back.

Complex Cases Take More Time

Not all orthodontic cases are the same. Some people only need minor adjustments, while others have bite issues, crowding, or gaps to correct. The more complex the alignment, the longer the treatment usually takes. Yourorthodontist in Norton, OH works many hours customizing each plan to fit the patient’s needs, which can affect how long the braces stay on.

Consistency is Key

A lot of the treatment process is up to you, did you know that? Wearing the rubber bands and not taking them off when you get home, avoiding hard foods and keeping up with orthodontic appointments can all impact treatment time. Missing appointments or not following instructions can slow down progress in a big way. On the flip side, sticking to the plan helps things move along more smoothly.

While it may feel like a long wait, the results are well worth the time and patience, we promise! Contact us to learn more.

How To Make Braces More Fun for Kids

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If your child needs braces in Norton, OH, you probably already know: braces are typically not something children enjoy having. They have the potential to cause some discomfort, and the reality is that some children dislike the look, feel, or social implications of these dental devices.

Making braces more fun for your child can help them feel better about using these devices to help straighten the teeth and improve alignment. Here are a few ideas.

Personalize the Look of the Braces

The first option is to personalize the look of the braces with colorful bands. For example, if your child is on a cheerleading squad or basketball team, they might like having their school colors as rubber bands. Or, you might try elastics that match the season or a specific outfit.

Throw a Party for the New Achievement

Your child probably won’t be excited about getting braces, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it a positive day by throwing a party. Wait past the appointment date to ensure they have time to relax and get used to the braces — but in a week or two? Throw a party with braces-friendly foods and invite their best friends.

Make It a Great Experience at the Orthodontist

One last way to make braces more fun for your child is by encouraging them to have fun at the orthodontist. Our team is happy to work with your child and to help them feel comfortable with getting braces.

At Hockenberger Orthodontics, we offer braces in Norton, OH. Our office has state-of-the art technology to help every patient get the best possible treatment. We’ll work with your children to encourage them to take part in their treatment and ensure their outcomes are successful. Call us today at 1-330-825-7060 to schedule an appointment.

3 Myths About Wearing Braces

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Many myths about wearing braces have circulated since they first became widely available decades ago. If you’re getting braces in Norton, OH, you need to be aware of these three myths.

1. Braces Are Only For Teens

Braces are widely used for teens because this is a period of time when the teeth are more easily realigned. However, as more adults pay attention to their teeth’s aesthetics and more advanced braces solutions become available, the number of adults who get braces has also increased.

2. Everybody Will Notice

If you get traditional metal braces, they are highly visible when you smile and speak. In the beginning, people indeed notice your shiny new braces! But human nature kicks in, and the more time you spend with friends, colleagues, and others, the less they’ll notice the braces. This is how the brain gets used to seeing things and begins to “normalize” what it perceives. After that first day, people won’t think of you as someone wearing braces; they’ll just think of you as “you”!

3. Braces Take Forever

When you first get braces and hear that it may take about two years, it may sound like an eternity. But, based on other peoples’ experiences with braces, that time passes quickly. And everyone agrees that the braces were totally worth it! Plus, depending on the severity of your alignment issues, you may only need braces for a short period of time!

Don’t live with a lifetime of crooked teeth just because you’ve heard some myths about braces that aren’t even true! Visit Hockenberger Orthodontics and learn the true facts about braces. Our Norton, OH, orthodontist will explain everything you need to know about wearing braces!

Metal, Clear, or Lingual: Which Type of Braces Are Right for You?

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The decision to getbraces in Norton, OH, is not always easy. You need to commit to several months to a few years of treatment and figure out how to finance it. Additionally, you must decide which braces would be the most effective and aesthetically pleasing.

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces have been the standard in orthodontic treatment for decades. When you opt for these types of braces, Dr. Brian Hockenberger attaches a bracket to the front of each tooth. A small wire, commonly referred to as an arch wire, holds the brackets together and helps to move your teeth into a new position. Standard metal braces typically require a monthly adjustment at Hockenberger Orthodontics. Once he removes the braces, you may need to wear headgear at night or a retainer.

Clear Braces or Aligners

Clear braces contain brackets and archwire, just as metal braces do. The primary difference between the two is the color of the brackets and wire. The color is typically silver metal with traditional braces, while clear braces are white and less noticeable. You can also choose an alternative color for your brackets and wires.

Clear aligners are not braces at all but act in the same manner. You wear a removable aligner for at least 22 hours daily and switch it for the next one in the set approximately once every two weeks.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces contain brackets and wires that go behind each tooth instead of in the front. This can be a good option if you are concerned about your appearance during treatment and want to disguise your braces.

Dr. Hockenberger is happy to recommend the best type of braces in Norton, OH, during your initial orthodontic consultation.