Five Health Benefits of Straight Teeth

At Feil Orthodontics, we hear from people every day concerned about the appearance of their smiles. However, more damage can lie below the surface of a crooked smile than misaligned teeth. Poor tooth alignment and oral malocclusions can cause other issues with your health that can impact your life. Thankfully, orthodontic treatment can move your teeth into alignment and give you results you’ll love. 

Orthodontic treatment can help correct oral issues, including crooked teeth, overbites, and underbites. Although the most obvious benefit of treatment is a beautifully straight smile, there are many lesser-known advantages to adult braces in our office. We’ll explore some of these below, so keep reading to learn more! 

Improved Chewing & Digestion

It can be difficult to bite and chew your food effectively when your teeth and jaws are out of alignment. If left untreated over time, poor alignment can contribute to excessive wear and tear on your teeth and may weaken the muscles of the jaws. This can cause painful chewing, which has the potential to exacerbate any issues you’re already having.

You may be surprised to find there’s a connection between your stomach and your smile, but it’s an important one. Your teeth are a crucial component of the digestive process, and chewing your food is the first step. 

Your whole digestive system can suffer if you can’t chew properly because of misaligned teeth. When your teeth can’t properly break down food, it will pass through the digestive system much more slowly.

A Smile That Lasts for Life

Your teeth deal with a lot of pressure between biting and chewing. If your teeth aren’t correctly aligned, they’ll be impacted differently than a straight smile. Bite issues put excessive stress on sensitive areas, causing premature wear and tear on the teeth. 

Over time, this pressure can lead to chipping, notching at the gum line, flattening of the biting surfaces, and cracks along your teeth. This damage is often unsightly, but it can also require expensive dental treatments.

The results of orthodontic treatment are long-lasting, especially with the proper maintenance. If you take the time to care for your teeth and orthodontic appliance and wear a retainer as directed by Dr. Feil, your newly-straightened smile will last a lifetime.

Improved Jaw Function

A bad bite doesn’t just affect your teeth—your jaw joint can also pay the price! The hinged temporomandibular joints connect the jaw to your skull close to your ears. When these joints and muscles have excessive strain from misaligned teeth, you can deal with jaw pain, dizziness, earaches, ear ringing, and headaches. 

Orthodontic treatment will align your teeth, relieve you from the painful symptoms of TMD, and help you get your life back. 

Improved Oral Health

Brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining oral health, but when your teeth are crooked or crowded, they can be difficult to clean. This can cause a build-up of plaque and bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, cavities, and gingivitis. 

While these are common dental ailments, they’re also preventable! Orthodontic treatment at Feil Orthodontics can move the teeth into better positions, making it much easier to maintain an effective oral hygiene routine.

Better Speech

The alignment of your teeth and jaws can affect your speech. Misaligned teeth can influence the placement of the tip of the tongue, which is essential to properly form certain sounds, including ‘t,’ ‘n,’ and ‘d.’ 

As an experienced orthodontist, Dr. Feil can identify speech issues related to misaligned teeth. He’ll also assess the severity of these issues and create an effective treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals. 

Transform Your Smile with Metal Braces

Metal braces are one of the most recognizable symbols of orthodontics and the most common type of treatment. The brackets are made of a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other high-quality metals, making them durable and long-lasting. 

Modern metal braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be, and they’re also customizable, thanks to a variety of fun colored bands to choose from! These braces deliver excellent results and are especially useful in cases that are more severe or complicated.

Since they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do, metal braces also tend to be a slightly more affordable option. The overall strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness of traditional braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontics, year after year. 

Five Health Benefits of Straight TeethImprove Your Smile & Oral Health with Feil Orthodontics

Feil Orthodontics is proud to offer patients of all ages the full package: expert care, clear communication, a rewarding orthodontic experience, and exceptional results. If you’d like to learn more about how an aligned bite can benefit your overall health, contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation with our office.

The Role of Orthodontics In Speech Therapy

Here at Feil Orthodontics, we see patients daily who want straighter smiles. Whether it’s an overbite or crowded teeth, most people’s primary concern is the appearance of their teeth. However, as a trained orthodontist, Dr. Blake Feil knows more serious side effects can result from a crooked smile, including certain speech disorders. 

In many cases, treating oral malocclusions can help correct issues with speaking in addition to the benefits of a beautiful new smile. But what exactly is the role of orthodontics in speech therapy, and how can it correct speech disorders? Let’s take a look!

What causes speech problems?

First, it helps to understand the role your teeth play in speaking. The tongue touches your teeth to produce certain sounds and requires space to move to produce others. Your teeth also control the airflow in your mouth, another essential element in creating speech. 

There are several causes of speech impediments, including genetic conditions like cleft lip and palate, hearing deficits, and brain damage. Speaking requires a balance between the mouth, teeth, tongue, and jaw, so when these parts are out of alignment, it makes it difficult to talk clearly. 

Types of speech problems

Bruxism

Bruxism is the act of grinding your teeth while you sleep. This condition can cause a sore jaw and, left untreated, can result in jaw disorders that affect speech. 

Open bite

When the upper and lower teeth extend forward from the jaw and do not fit together optimally when the mouth is closed, the problem is rooted in early childhood habits (thumb sucking). Open bite is a common cause of speech impediments and uneven tooth wear and can interfere with proper oral hygiene.

Tooth gaps

When there is significant space between two teeth, or a tooth is missing, it can be difficult to pronounce certain words or “ess” sounds.

Lisp or whistling

If you have a lisp, it’s difficult to pronounce the “s” and “z” sounds. Whistling sometimes accompanies a lisp, but not necessarily. Lisps are typically caused by an overbite when the teeth don’t touch correctly and allow in too much air. 

Trouble pronouncing consonants

Certain malocclusions like crossbite or crowding can make it challenging to pronounce consonants or strings of consonants, like “t,” “n,” and “d.” 

Slurring

Crowded teeth can cause slurred speech since there isn’t room for proper tooth eruption or tongue movement. 

Orthodontic treatment to correct speech issues

Dental malocclusions don’t go away on their own. If you suffer from these oral issues, you will need orthodontic treatment to align your teeth. We offer the following treatment options at our Bismarck, Mandan, and Beulah offices:

Metal braces

Metal braces can correct any misalignment at the root of your speech problems. The brackets Dr. Feil uses are made of stainless steel, nickel, and other high-quality metals, making them strong and effective. 

Modern metal braces are much more comfortable and lighter than they used to be and work more quickly to align your teeth. These braces deliver excellent results and are especially useful in more severe or complicated cases.

Speech therapy paired with orthodontic treatment can help train your mouth and tongue to work together in harmony during and after treatment. Working with a speech therapist can help you adjust to your braces as they work to give you a straighter smile and improve your speaking ability.  

Clear braces

Also known as ceramic braces, translucent braces, or aesthetic braces, clear braces work like metal braces with the added benefit of semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets. Clear braces can better blend in with your natural smile for a more subtle treatment option. 

Clear braces are slightly more fragile than traditional metal ones, so we may not recommend them for more severe cases or younger patients. However, they can still be a great option to correct oral issues and improve your speech. 

Clear aligners

Our in-house aligner system consists of clear, removable aligners customized to fit over your teeth. Like traditional braces, clear aligners apply gentle pressure to move your teeth into proper alignment and make it easier to speak, swallow, and clean your teeth. 

Clear aligners give you more freedom and flexibility than other treatment options. There are no food restrictions since aligners are removed when eating or drinking, and it’s easy to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy since you don’t have to work around wires and brackets. 

The Role of Orthodontics In Speech TherapySchedule a free consultation with Feil Orthodontics

Difficulty speaking can seriously affect your quality of life, and our team wants to help you overcome that barrier! If you have crowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite, or other oral issues affecting your speech, contact our office to schedule a free consultation. Dr. Feil will evaluate your bite and create a customized treatment plan to meet your needs.

Tune-Up Your Smile with Clear Aligners

As our most popular alternative to traditional braces, our custom clear aligners can give you the same beautiful results as braces without metal brackets or wires. If you want a more discrete treatment, aligners could be your perfect fit! The removable aligners are also an excellent choice for athletes and musicians who play specific instruments. We at Feil Orthodontics will help you get your dream smile with clear aligners without disrupting your life!

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners straighten your teeth without any brackets, bands, or wires. Instead, they use a series of removable clear aligners to move your teeth gently and comfortably. We customize each set of aligners in our office specifically for you with the help of 3-D computer imaging that gives us a detailed look at where the teeth are and where we want them to be.

If you spend time watching tv or online, you probably know a little about clear aligners. While the design looks simple, a lot goes into those trays! Clear aligners at Feil Orthodontics are made of a unique thermoplastic material that’s smooth enough to be comfortable but strong enough to move your teeth into alignment. When you wear your clear aligners according to the guidelines from Dr. Feil, they can be just as effective as traditional braces at treating many of the most common orthodontic issues.

How do clear aligners work?

The first step in your orthodontic journey is a free consultation with Dr. Feil in our Bismarck, Mandan, or Beulah office. During your visit, Dr. Feil will thoroughly examine your teeth and bite. If you’re a good candidate for clear aligners, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan considering your specific needs, preferences, and goals.

Your treatment plan will include all the movements we want your teeth to make and an estimate of how long we expect treatment to take. We’ll start designing your aligners in our office using the 3D scan of your teeth and gums as our guide. That means you’ll never have any uncomfortable, messy impressions, and with the next-day turn-around, you’ll start straightening your smile immediately!

Because they’re custom-designed, the aligners will fit firmly but comfortably over your teeth. For them to work correctly, you must wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily throughout treatment. You should only remove your aligners to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush and floss. You may experience longer treatment times and subpar results if you don’t follow these recommendations.  

You’ll need to switch your aligners out for the next in the series every one to two weeks to keep your teeth moving in the right direction. We’ll schedule follow-up visits for you every 6 to 10 weeks to check that everything is progressing as it should be. 

Every case is unique, and everyone responds to treatment differently, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer as to how long treatment will take. On average, treatment with clear aligners requires between 24 and 36 aligners over a 9 to 15-month timeframe.

Tune-Up Your Smile with Clear AlignersBenefits of clear aligners over braces

It’s not surprising that what patients love most about our in-house clear aligners is that they are discreet and removable. However, there are many other benefits to this innovative system, including:

No food restrictions

The food restrictions that come with braces can be one of the most challenging parts of treatment. Crunchy or chewy foods can damage the wires and brackets, so avoid them until you finish treatment. The final result is worth it, but it can be frustrating to go without some of your favorite foods for months. Unlike braces, which are fixed appliances, clear aligners are designed to be removed every time you eat. That means you’re free to enjoy all the treats you love as long as you brush and floss when you’re done.

Easy to maintain a good oral hygiene routine

We should all do our best to keep our teeth and gums healthy and clean, but it’s even more important during orthodontic treatment. It can be tough to brush with braces, and the nooks and crannies make it easy for bacteria to hide and multiply. With clear aligners, keeping your teeth free of food particles and harmful plaque is a cinch! Clear aligners make it easier to maintain an oral hygiene routine since you remove them to brush and floss. There are also special kits for cleaning clear aligners, or you can brush them with a soft toothbrush and denture crystals. 

Convenience and flexibility 

For athletic patients who regularly participate in sports, clear aligners can be a game-changer! You can take your aligners out before practice and games and replace them with a mouthguard to protect your mouth. They’re also great for musicians who play certain instruments since they can be taken out for short periods, like practice or concerts. And when it comes to special occasions like weddings, prom, and senior pictures, you can remove clear aligners to allow nothing but your natural smile to shine through!

Tune-Up Your Smile with Clear AlignersStraighten your smile with clear aligners from Feil Orthodontics

Dr. Feil is an experienced orthodontic expert who creates beautiful smiles for patients of all ages using various treatment options. Our team is committed to treating every patient with compassion, kindness, and respect. We want you to feel like family from the moment you make your first appointment!  

If you’re looking for a clear aligner provider you can trust, Feil Orthodontics is here for you. Dr. Feil and the rest of our talented team have the education, training, and skill to give you a rewarding orthodontic experience from start to finish. To learn more about how clear aligners can transform your smile, get in touch with us today to schedule a FREE consultation.

Lifetime Commit for a Lifetime of Smiles

When you’ve been wearing braces or Clear Aligners for months or years, it’s exciting when the end of treatment is in sight. The best part about getting your braces off is seeing your beautiful new smile! However, the work doesn’t stop when we remove your brackets. Retainers are essential to maintain your alignment long-term, and keeping up with your oral health will keep your smile shining. If you’re ready to commit to a lifetime of smiles, keep reading to learn about retainers and the healthiest habits for your oral health!

Tips for Maintaining a Healthier Smile

Brush & Floss Regularly

The best thing you can do for your oral health is to maintain a consistent brushing and flossing routine. You should brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush gently, moving in circles along the surface of each tooth, paying attention to the area around the gums. 

Flossing removes bacteria from the places your toothbrush can’t reach for a more thorough clean. You should floss at least once a day before bed to remove the food particles that build up throughout the day and prevent them from bonding to your teeth. 

Limit Your Sugar Intake

Sugar is the main culprit in the fight for a healthy smile. The bacteria in our mouths thrive on sugar, so if we consume too much or leave it in our mouths for long periods without at least rinsing, it can cause severe damage. If you can’t brush your teeth right away, rinse your mouth with water to get rid of as much as possible. 

Visit Your General Dentist Twice a Year

Regular dental exams are essential to maintain your oral health. Your general or family dentist will look for potential issues, thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, and work with our team to support your treatment. 

Maintain a Balanced Diet

It’s essential to give your body the nutrients it needs to thrive, including oral health! A healthy diet will help your bones grow, and crunchy foods stimulate saliva production, which is essential for oral health!

Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated is another way to stimulate saliva production to keep your teeth and mouth clean. Saliva naturally cleans your mouth and removes the bacteria that food leaves behind. 

Keep Your Tongue Clean

Many people leave their tongues out of their oral health routine, but it couldn’t be more important! Always brush your tongue when you brush and floss and swish mouthwash or water to finish the job. 

Take Care of Your Toothbrush

Using the right tools will help you take the best care of your smile, including your toothbrush! Replace your toothbrush when it shows signs of wear, like fraying bristles, or every 3-4 months. Rinse out any leftover toothpaste and store your toothbrush upright after brushing.

Wear a Mouthguard 

Mouthguards are the best way to protect your teeth while playing sports. Dr. Feil recommends wearing one even if you play a low- or no-contact sport to ensure your smile is always safe. 

Wear a Retainer After Treatment

A retainer is a type of orthodontic appliance that we custom-make to fit your mouth after treatment. We’ll take an impression of your newly-straightened smile to create a retainer based on your treatment plan from Dr. Feil.

Orthodontists recommend wearing retainers part-time after treatment for the rest of your life, but don’t feel overwhelmed! After some time and practice, wearing your retainer becomes second nature. Eventually, you’ll only need to wear it a few nights a week while you sleep to keep your newly straightened smile in place.

Adjusting to Retainers

Your retainer may feel strange initially, but after a short adjustment period, you’ll forget it’s even there. Your retainer may affect your speech or cause a lisp in the first few days. However, once you get used to wearing it, you’ll be able to speak normally. 

You may feel discomfort when you first start wearing your retainer, but it won’t last long. Always follow Dr. Feil’s guidelines so your retainers can be effective and keep your smile in shape. Failing to do so will allow your teeth to shift back to their original positions and undo all your hard work.

Lifetime Commit for a Lifetime of SmilesMaintain Your Smile with Feil Orthodontics

You only get one smile, and we want to help you maintain it for life! If you’re ready to commit to a lifetime of smiles, Dr. Feil and the team are here. Contact our Bismarck, Mandan, Beulah, or Dickinson office to schedule your free consultation to learn more about orthodontic treatment and take the first step to a healthier smile!

What are Food Traps and How to Solve Them

A food trap is a space in your teeth where food can get stuck while eating. These can be noticeable and annoying or subtle and hidden where you don’t even know they’re there. While food traps can happen to anyone, you’re more likely to have them if your teeth are crooked, crowded, or misaligned. That’s where we come in! At Feil Orthodontics, there are several ways to address food traps, including treatment with clear aligners. Let’s explore the effects of food traps and how our team can help you avoid them. 

The side effects of food traps

There’s typically nothing to worry about if food gets stuck between your teeth, but if it happens often and goes unnoticed, you can face serious side effects. If food particles are constantly building up between your teeth, more bacteria will accumulate. Bacteria increase your chances of developing cavities and gum disease. 

As bacteria build up, your body will start to send more blood to the area to fight off the bacteria, which can cause swelling, redness, and bleeding when you brush. Left untreated, you may experience bone loss and gum recession. 

What are Food Traps and How to Solve ThemCauses of food traps

Several things can cause food traps, including:

  • Gaps between your teeth: Ideally, your teeth grow side by side with limited space between them, reducing the risk of food getting caught. However, teeth aren’t always perfect, so gaps between your teeth provide the perfect trap for food.
  • Teeth grinding: If you grind your teeth, you increase wear and tear on your teeth which can create food traps.
  • Teeth alignment: Improper alignment of the teeth can make all kinds of nooks and crannies where food can get trapped.
  • Cavities: The hole can make a food trap if cavities form between your teeth. This can cause a cavity on the neighboring tooth due to more bacteria and debris.
  • Damaged teeth: Teeth that are broken or chipped have little holes and pockets where food can get trapped. Jagged edges and pits also make it easier for food to get caught.
  • Receding gums and pockets: If you have receding gums or deep pockets in your gums, food debris can build up in the spaces. Periodontal pockets create openings around the teeth under the gum line. They are common gum disease symptoms and can lead to severe infections when left untreated.
  • Tooth supra-eruption: If your teeth emerge too far above the gumline from the jawbone, your root is exposed. This area of the tooth is more vulnerable to decay, affecting how securely your tooth fits in the bone. 
  • Impacted teeth: If you have a tooth that doesn’t fully emerge from your gums, this can lead to food traps. This is common among people whose wisdom teeth don’t erupt.
  • Partially erupted teeth: If a tooth is only partially erupted, it can create food traps around the gums.
  • Poorly shaped restorations: If you have restorations in your mouth that were not shaped or performed correctly, it can easily create a food trap. This is very common in cases where the restoration is over-contoured or has an overhang.
  • Damaged crown or filling: Defects or damage to crowns or fillings allow food to get trapped in or around the tooth and gaps.

Eliminate food traps with clear aligners

There are several options to correct food traps, depending on your unique case. Here at Feil Orthodontics, one of the best ways to treat food traps is by aligning your smile with clear aligners. 

With clear aligners, you get a series of clear, custom, removable aligners that fit snugly over your teeth to provide a constant gentle pressure that shifts your teeth. There are no additional food traps since the aligners cover every surface of your teeth. 

You’ll need to remove your aligners when you eat or drink anything other than water, so it’s important to be mindful of the food traps we’re treating. Thoroughly brush and floss after every meal and snack to eliminate those pesky food particles that linger after eating. If you can’t brush, rinse your mouth with warm water a few times until you get to your toothbrush. 

What are Food Traps and How to Solve ThemLearn more about clear aligners with Feil Orthodontics

If you’ve been dealing with cavities, tooth sensitivity, or bad breath, food that’s built up in food traps could be the culprit! Contact our Bismarck, Mandan, or Beulah office to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Feil and find the perfect solution for your unique smile.

Tips for a Healthy Smile

Here at Feil Orthodontics, we create healthy smiles that look incredible and feel amazing. We use the latest orthodontic technology and work on perfecting our technique daily, but another element is necessary to achieve the best results—you! These tips for a healthy smile will help you maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine and help ensure that you get the straightest smile in the shortest amount of time possible. Knowing how to care for your smile between orthodontic visits is the first step!

Issues like cavities, gum disease, and noncompliance can interrupt your progress, leading to longer treatment times or subpar results. Keeping your mouth healthy and your appliance in good shape plays a large part in the success of your treatment. Let’s take a closer look at how you can brush up on the basics of oral care!  

eVisit your dentist for regular checkups.

Regular visits to your dentist are an essential part of caring for your smile. Your dentist is your primary oral health provider, and they’ll help you maintain clean and healthy teeth and gums and can identify any potential issues with your dental health. 

During routine checkups, your dentist will clean your teeth and examine your mouth, teeth, jaw, and gums. We encourage seeing your regular dentist once every six months for a cleaning and checkup to keep your smile in great shape.

Follow Dr. Feil’s guidelines.

Dr. Feil is a trained orthodontic expert, so you can trust what he says about your smile! For example, if you need elastics with your braces or aligners, change them as directed in between your checkups. Have you recently completed your treatment with us? Remember to wear your retainer to keep your newly straightened smile in place!

If you’re wearing aligners, we’ll give you several weeks’ worth of aligners at a time, but if your current set runs out before your next appointment, we’ll arrange to pick up the next set earlier. If you can’t get your new aligners right away, you can continue wearing the last set for 10-12 hours each day instead of the usual 20-22 hours. This will help extend the life of your aligners until an appointment is available and keep your treatment plan on track. 

Limit your sugar intake

A balanced diet can help decrease your risk of developing cavities with the vitamins and nutrients to support healthy, cavity-resistant teeth. Limit sugar-heavy foods, juices, and candy that erode enamel and leave harmful bacteria. It’s okay to enjoy these things in moderation; remember to brush your teeth and rinse well afterward to wash away the sugar.

Brush and floss like a pro

Brackets and wires make it easier for food particles to become trapped, which can lead to a buildup of bacteria and plaque. This means your teeth are more susceptible to cavities when wearing braces, tooth decay, and gum disease. These can delay your treatment progress and affect your final results, so paying attention to how you’re brushing and flossing throughout your orthodontic journey is essential! 

Stick to the following guidelines for healthy teeth, a bright smile, and fresh breath. 

  • Brush three times a day, ideally after each meal and once before bed. If you’re in braces, brush around every part of them.
  • Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoridated toothpaste.
  • Brush gently at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line, moving the toothbrush across every surface of every tooth to effectively remove bacteria and any trapped food particles. 
  • Floss every night before bed to remove bacteria and any food accumulated throughout the day. Use tools like floss threaders and Waterpiks to clean hard-to-reach areas.
  • Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if you have a cold or other illness.
  • Use antimicrobial and fluoride mouthwashes to help further improve your oral health.

Special tips for Aligner patients

If you’re an Aligner patient, you’ve got a bit of extra responsibility in caring for your aligners and oral health. Always rinse them off before putting them back in your mouth, and clean them well with gentle soap and cold water at least twice a day.

 If you notice any buildup, you can soak your aligners in a retainer or denture cleaner to remove it. Don’t forget to keep your aligners away from any heat sources, including hot water, to avoid warping and help them maintain their natural shape.

Tips for a Healthy SmileGive your smile the best with care from Feil Orthodontics

It’s always important to take good care of your teeth and gums, but it’s an essential part of your orthodontic treatment when you’re in braces or clear aligners. By following our tips for a healthy smile, you’ll be able to boost your oral health while working towards a straighter smile! 

If you have any questions or concerns about orthodontic care, our expert team is always happy to walk you through your treatment plan’s ins and outs. Want to learn more about how to care for your smile proactively? Get in touch with us today to schedule a FREE consultation or follow-up appointment with Dr. Feil in our Bismarck, Mandan, Beulah office!

Four Reasons to Get Adult Braces

Here at Feil Orthodontics, we often hear from adults who have spent years feeling unhappy about the appearance or function of their teeth. Many worry that the chance of improving their smile is long gone, and they’ll be stuck feeling self-conscious about it forever. If this sounds like you, we have good news—it’s never too late to achieve a healthier, more confident smile! 

More adults are exploring how orthodontic treatment can help correct crooked teeth, overbites, and underbites. Although the most obvious benefit of treatment is a beautifully straight smile, there are many lesser-known advantages to adult braces in our Bismarck, Mandan, and Beulah offices. We’ll explore some of these below, so keep reading to learn more! 

Improved chewing & digestion

It can be difficult to bite and chew your food effectively when your teeth and jaws are out of alignment. If left untreated over time, it can contribute to excessive wear and tear on your teeth and may weaken the muscles of the jaws. This can cause painful chewing, which has the potential to exacerbate any issues you’re already having.

You may be surprised to find a connection between your stomach and your smile, but it’s important. Your teeth are a crucial component of the digestive process, and chewing your food is the first step. Your whole digestive system can suffer if you can’t chew properly because of misaligned teeth. 

When your teeth can’t properly break down food, it will pass through the digestive system much more slowly. Chewing may also be painful if you’re experiencing tooth or jaw pain related to a bad bite. This may even limit what and how often you can eat.

Improved speech

The alignment of your teeth and jaws can affect your speech. Misaligned teeth can influence the placement of the tip of the tongue, which is essential to properly form certain sounds, including ‘t’, ‘n’, and ‘d.’ As an experienced orthodontist, Dr. Feil can identify speech issues related to misaligned teeth. He’ll also assess the severity of these issues and create an effective treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals. 

Improved jaw alignment

Misaligned teeth can have a noticeable effect on your jaw muscles and joints. If the jaws are forced to compensate for bad positioning, the joints will adapt in response. However, the new position will often cause further damage. This is why we tend to see both jaw issues and misaligned teeth in patients. Some of the symptoms you may experience with improper jaw alignment are:

  • headaches or migraines
  • a jaw that seems to pop or “creak”
  • pain in the jaw, neck, or shoulders
  • sleep disorders

The personalized treatment plan Dr. Feil creates for you will help minimize or even eliminate these symptoms by properly aligning your teeth and jaws. This approach will give you a smile that feels as good as it looks! 

Four Reasons to Get Adult BracesImproved oral health

Brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining oral health, but when your teeth are crooked or crowded, they can be difficult to clean. This can cause a build-up of plaque and bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, cavities, and gingivitis. 

While these are common dental ailments, they’re also preventable! Orthodontic treatment with Feil Orthodontics can move the teeth into more optimal positions, making it much easier to maintain an effective oral hygiene routine.

Treatment options for every smile

Our cutting-edge technology and efficient techniques in our offices in Bismarck, Mandan, and Beulah give adult patients more treatment options than ever. These are more comfortable and customizable than ever before, so Dr. Feil can give you the results you desire without surgery or extractions in most cases. We offer the following treatments for a total smile transformation.

Traditional metal braces

Traditional metal braces are an orthodontic staple and with good reason! This is one of Dr. Feil’s most efficient treatments, particularly for more severe or complicated cases. Modern braces use high-quality stainless steel, but innovations in the design mean they’re much more comfortable than previous versions. The total treatment time also tends to be shorter than it used to be.

Clear braces

These braces work the same way as traditional braces but use clear, white, or tooth-colored brackets. For an almost invisible treatment option, we can use them with matching elastics or ties! This makes them a good choice if you’re concerned about the appearance of your treatment. Clear brackets are more delicate than metal braces, so we generally recommend them only for older teen and adult patients in Bismarck, Mandan, and Beulah.

Invisalign

The Invisalign system uses a series of clear removable aligners to move the teeth instead of brackets and wires. These are made of a soft but strong thermoplastic resin material and customized to fit comfortably over your teeth. For Invisalign treatment to succeed, the aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours each day and switched out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks. 

Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can eat and drink whatever you want while in treatment. Your oral hygiene routine will be a whole lot easier, too! Adult patients at Feil Orthodontics love the freedom and flexibility that Invisalign aligners offer them. 

All of these options can be a great fit for busy adults! You can trust Dr. Feil to recommend the treatment method they feel will work best with your smile, lifestyle, and goals.

Four Reasons to Get Adult BracesGet the smile you’ve always wanted with Feil Orthodontics

Feil Orthodontics is proud to offer patients the full package: expert care, clear communication, a rewarding orthodontic experience, and exceptional results. If you’d like to learn more about how an aligned bite can benefit you, get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation at our office in Bismarck, Mandan, or Beulah!

Everything You Need to Know About Palatal Expanders

When correcting a misaligned bite, Dr. Feil has the training and experience to give you comfortable treatments and outstanding results. He accomplishes this using a variety of orthodontic appliances, including palatal expanders. This important tool helps prevent or eliminate more severe jaw and teeth problems that may not leave enough room for permanent teeth to grow correctly. 

At Feil Orthodontics, we believe that everyone deserves healthy, beautiful smiles! We’re committed to giving you and your family a lifetime of healthy smiles in Bismarck, Dickinson, Mandan, and Beulah. Let’s take a closer look at what palatal expanders are, how they work, and what they can do to improve your child’s smile!

What is a palatal expander? 

A palatal expander is a device that works with the natural changes that occur as the teeth and jaw develop to create more space in a child’s mouth by gradually widening the upper jaw. This may sound a little scary, but the upper jaw develops as two separate halves that don’t entirely fuse until after puberty. Each half can be gently separated and stabilized with a palatal expander until that happens. This treatment is time-sensitive because expanders work with the teeth and jaw as they grow. 

Palatal expanders have two pieces that connect in the middle with a screw and are customized to fit over a few top teeth in the back of a child’s mouth. You activate the device by turning the screw in tiny increments each day with a small key. This creates tension at the junction of the two palatal bones, gradually moving them apart. Once we reach the desired expansion, Dr. Feil will keep the appliance in place for a few more months so the new bone can form in the gap and stabilize the expansion. Children typically wear palatal expanders for about six months in total.

Everything You Need to Know About Palatal ExpandersWho can benefit from palatal expanders?

Permanent teeth usually replace children’s baby teeth between 6 and 13. Some children’s jaws are too small to accommodate their adult teeth, leading to crowded teeth and misalignment. Palatal expanders can: 

  • Reduce or eliminate overcrowding—expanders create space for all of a child’s upper teeth to erupt in the correct positions
  • Reduce the risk of developing impacted teeth—when other teeth block an unerupted tooth, we can create room for it to emerge by widening the upper jaw
  • And correct a crossbite—the upper teeth should close around the outside of the lower teeth, but a narrow palate can cause the upper teeth to bite inside the lower teeth. An expander can correct this before serious asymmetrical jaw growth, restoring facial symmetry.

Expanding the upper jaw with a palatal expander can also improve a child’s smile aesthetically, limit tooth extraction, and may shorten treatment time if they need braces or clear aligners when they’re older. 

The different types of palatal expanders

The palatal expander we use for your child will depend on their age and the unique shape of their palate. There are fixed and removable options, and every expander we use is custom-made and fitted by Dr. Feil to accommodate your child’s natural palate shape and size. The most common types of palatal expanders include:

Rapid palatal expander

The rapid palatal expander, or RPE, is one of the standard expander types. It has a center screw with four branches attached to the paralleled back teeth of the upper jaw. You’ll get a small key that you’ll turn each day to activate the expander and create tension on the two palatal bones. Over time, this will widen the palate to the desired size and shape. 

Removable palatal expander

The removable palatal expander is another standard option for treating children, particularly in cases that require minimal expansion. The device is similar to a clear retainer, like those we give patients once they complete orthodontic treatment, but it also has a center screw. This center screw works similarly to the RPE and requires the same gentle daily expansion for 3-6 months.

Everything You Need to Know About Palatal ExpandersFind your child’s healthiest smile at Feil Orthodontics

Orthodontic care can benefit patients of all ages, including children. A child’s mouth changes rapidly, with a great deal of shifting and moving as they lose baby teeth and the permanent teeth erupt. If there’s any misalignment or other issue, it’s often easier to treat at a younger age while the jaw and palate are still developing. 

Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Feil can identify potential problems and encourage a healthier smile using the appropriate orthodontic tools, including palatal expanders. 

If you’re looking to improve your child’s oral health, we’d love to meet you both and see how their smile is developing so far! Get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation with our offices in Bismarck, Dickinson, Mandan, or Beulah.

5 Things You Won’t Get with Mail-Order Orthodontics

The internet has made it easy and convenient to get nearly anything you want with the touch of a button. This trend is gaining popularity in the orthodontic world, with direct-to-consumer aligners making DIY treatment seem quick and easy. But are mail-ordered orthodontics worth it? Feil Orthodontics explores five things you won’t get with mail-order orthodontics and why in-person treatment is the best option for your smile.

Mail-order aligners claim lower prices and more convenience since there are no trips to the orthodontist for checkups and adjustments. We understand how mail-ordering orthodontic treatment can seem appealing, but you might be surprised to know that most orthodontists and dentists won’t recommend this process. 

Let’s look at some things you won’t get with mail-order orthodontic treatment and how Feil Orthodontics can give you the smile you deserve efficiently and effectively!

What are mail-ordered aligners? How do they work?

The companies that offer clear aligners through the mail are a form of “online orthodontics.” Instead of visiting an orthodontic office for an in-person exam, every step of the treatment process is entirely virtual. 

You’ll apply to the company of your choice and, upon approval, have a kit sent to your home to make a 3-D mold of your teeth. A technician or dentist will then use that mold to create a series of clear aligners that will slowly move your teeth into straighter positions.

Like in-office treatment, this process can take several weeks to months to complete. During this time, you’ll provide photos of your mouth at regular intervals to monitor your teeth. 

This may seem relatively straightforward, but anyone considering these companies should proceed cautiously. Several risks and concerns are associated with this kind of care, and some can have a lasting impact on your oral health. Here are some benefits of choosing a respected orthodontic practice over mail-order companies!

Lower Cost and Quicker Results

This is the biggest misconception about mail-ordered aligners. The old saying that you get what you pay for is never more true than when it comes to your orthodontic treatment. While mail-order options may seem quick and inexpensive, the potential risks can cost you more in the long run since you won’t have the supervised care that a trained orthodontist provides.

When you choose care from a trained orthodontist, you’ll have access to the best orthodontic options for your unique needs. Dr. Feil will give you personalized care to ensure the best treatment and results for your smile. 

Here at Feil Orthodontics, we also make orthodontic treatment affordable. We offer a variety of patient-specific payment plans and accept most orthodontic dental insurances to provide outstanding value for a reasonable price. 

In-Person Clinical Exam

The best way to get the results you want is to evaluate your starting point thoroughly. During your initial examination, Dr. Feil will look closely at the tissue and bone supporting your teeth using digital photographs. We’ll also take full mouth X-rays and a digital scan that eliminates the need for goopy impressions. 

This detailed information helps us determine the best orthodontic appliance for your treatment and avoid complications later from cavities, gum disease, and other related problems not picked up in impressions or photos. 

With mail-order aligners, the first step is receiving your in-home impression kit. Some options ask you to include intraoral photos, but the information they use to determine eligibility is fundamental. Once you mail the impression back, a dentist or technician will review it and decide if you are a good candidate for clear aligners. 

This is based on your current tooth alignment and does not factor in many essential components of the orthodontic process. Without considering all the variables, you may have subpar results, which could cost you more time and money. 

5 Things You Won't Get with Mail-Order Orthodontics

Customized Treatment Plans

Your teeth and gums should always be in good condition before attempting tooth movement to avoid unexpected problems. While clear aligners are an excellent option for many patients, they aren’t for everyone. Some cases are much more severe or require specific treatments before starting the movement of your teeth. In cases where more precise or complicated movements are necessary, you may save time and money by opting for traditional metal or clear braces. 

At Feil Orthodontics, we always consider your individual needs and goals before creating your treatment plan. We want to be sure the treatment plan we offer will make the best use of your time and goals while utilizing our expertise in orthodontic care. We use the information gathered during your in-office consultation and the data from your imaging to determine what will fit your lifestyle with the best results. 

Supervision During Treatment

During your treatment, your teeth may move slower or faster than we anticipate, things can come up that require minor adjustments, or we may need to modify your treatment plan. This is why having regular check-ins with our expert team is crucial during your aligner process. 

When you opt for mail-order aligners, you are given a treatment timeline to follow. This timeline is based on your initial teeth impressions and what should happen over time but does not account for any deviations that may pop up unexpectedly. This hands-off calendar approach can cause severe damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw. 

Treatment for Other Orthodontic Issues

Many orthodontic issues lie below the gum line and with the jaw, where messy impressions and cell phone images can’t capture the details. Mail-ordered aligners can’t treat these issues and can get worse by using them. This treatment method can’t do things like widening your jaw, aligning your bite, and correcting rotations.

It is more effective to know your specific orthodontic concerns ahead of time to have the best possible outcome. Dr. Feil can assess your condition throughout the process, allowing any adjustment to your treatment plan to get your perfect smile. 

5 Things You Won't Get with Mail-Order Orthodontics

Trust Feil Orthodontics for Efficient and Effective Treatment

You wouldn’t go on a road trip without researching the best route to get you there that aligns with your needs and goal. Don’t start your orthodontic treatment without the same consideration!

Our expert team at Feil Orthodontics takes pride in making your experience pleasant and personalized, from the initial consultation to your final checkup. If you are wondering what the best route to your perfect smile is, schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Feil in Bismarck, Mandan, Beulah, or Dickson, and let us help you navigate this journey with confidence. Keep in touch with us on social media!

What Are The Different Types Of Braces?

Here at Feil Orthodontics, we know that no two smiles are the same. That’s why it’s important to work with an expert who is committed to finding the perfect treatment option for your unique smile. The first step towards a Feil Smile is a consultation with Dr. Feil in one of our four conveniently located offices. During this visit, you’ll receive a brief oral examination and have some photographs taken of your mouth. This is what allows Dr. Feil to form a diagnosis and build a treatment plan around your specific needs and goals. 

This customized plan will include a recommendation for the treatment method that is likely to be the best fit for your smile. Our practice has a variety of treatment options available, and we use the latest in orthodontic technology to make it easier than ever to achieve a confident smile! Today’s appliances are comfortable, efficient, and affordable, offering exceptional results our patients love. Let’s take a look at the treatment options we offer and how they can help straighten your teeth and improve your oral health! 

Back to the basics of braces

Braces are the most popular orthodontic treatment and with good reason. They’ve been around for centuries in one form or another and come with a long history of successfully correcting bad bites and misalignments. Braces can be particularly effective for patients dealing with more complex or severe cases. They tend to work fast at closing gaps and aligning the teeth, with the average treatment time lasting anywhere from 12-24 months. Minor signs of improvement can often be seen in a relatively short period, which can be encouraging for patients new to the process!  

There is some maintenance involved with traditional braces, which can be a learning curve. Your dental hygiene routine is a good example! Brushing and flossing regularly is an essential part of oral care for all of us, but it’s even more important for orthodontic patients. You may find it trickier to keep your teeth and gums clean when wearing braces since it can be challenging to navigate around the brackets, wires, and bands. Fortunately, it only takes a little patience and practice to get the hang of it! For the best results, we recommend patients brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time and floss every night before bed.

Food restrictions are another necessary part of the orthodontic process with braces.  During treatment, you’ll need to avoid anything sticky or crunchy since these foods can damage the brackets and wires. While there’s no denying this takes some getting used to, perspective is key. Remind yourself that nothing lasts forever (even if it sometimes feels like it!) All your hard work will pay off once your braces are removed, and we reveal your beautiful new smile. 

What Are The Different Types Of Braces?

Follow-up visits are also essential for the success of any treatment plan. These appointments are usually scheduled for every 6-10 weeks or so in the office of your choice. During these checkups, Dr. Feil will ensure the teeth are moving in a healthy way and change the bands attached to the brackets. He may choose to replace the wire at this time as well. These appointments tend to be pretty quick so we can get you back to school or work as soon as possible, but they do help us produce the best results in the least amount of time. If you can’t make one for any reason, let us know as soon as possible and we’ll be happy to reschedule it for you. This will keep your treatment plan on track and our office running smoothly.

What are the different types of braces available?

Modern orthodontics comes with cutting-edge technology and efficient techniques that are comfortable and customizable. The variety of treatment choices available allow Dr. Feil to give you the results you desire without surgery or extractions in most cases. These options include the following. 

Traditional metal braces

Today’s metal braces are better than ever, with stainless steel brackets that are smaller and more comfortable than previous versions. These brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth then connected by a flexible wire. Dr. Feil will adjust the wire throughout the treatment process, which slowly repositions the teeth into the proper alignment. Patients can also add a pop of personality by choosing colorful elastics or go for a more subtle option with clear bands.

Clear ceramic braces

Ceramic braces work just like metal braces but have the added benefit of clear ceramic brackets. These match the color of the natural teeth much more closely, giving patients a discreet way to straighten their teeth, especially when paired with clear or tooth-colored elastics! Although these braces are durable, the ceramic material can make the brackets a bit more susceptible to damage. For this reason, we tend to recommend these clear braces for our older teen and adult patients.  

Clear aligners

Clear aligners are technically an exciting alternative to traditional braces, but we think they’re worth talking about, too! Instead of brackets and wires, these systems use a series of customized trays to straighten the teeth. These trays are made of a soft thermoplastic resin and customized to fit snugly but comfortably over your teeth. They’re also designed to be removable for short periods, like when you’re eating or brushing your teeth, giving you an extra measure of flexibility throughout the treatment process.  

Patient compliance is important with any clear aligner system. The aligners need to be worn for 20-22 hours per day throughout the treatment process to work. They must also be switched out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the movements the teeth are making. If you’re worried about your ability to keep up with these requirements, metal or clear braces that are fixed in place may be a better choice for you. 

What Are The Different Types Of Braces?

Find the best braces for you with Feil Orthodontics

Every treatment option has its own list of pros and cons, and not every method will be suitable for all patients. This is why Dr. Feil will create a personalized treatment plan for you based on your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals. 

You’ll never find any “cookie-cutter” treatment plans here at Feil Orthodontics! Dr. Feil will only ever recommend the treatment that is the best fit for your unique smile. 

If you’re in Bismarck, Mandan, Beulah, or Dickinson, we’d love to meet you and walk you through all the treatment options available to you. Get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation and take the first steps towards the confident smile you deserve!