Month: December 2015

Many people believe that planning for and getting braces is a lot of work. They aren’t wrong – after all, there are many steps that must go into this part of the process. First, you have to visit Castilla Orthodontics for your initial consultation. Then, Dr. Ana Castilla will develop a treatment plan that is personalized just for you. Finally, you get to have your new braces put on, and you are one step closer to a straighter, beautiful smile. But, what many people don’t know is that this isn’t the only work involved in orthodontic braces treatment. The bulk of the time and care associated with orthodontic braces comes after they are already on! But don’t worry, if you are someone who is thinking about getting braces near Mt. Angel, OR , the idea of life with braces probably seems scarier than it really is. That is why Castilla Orthodontics wants to let you know a little bit more about life with braces, before you choose your treatment. This way, you will be prepared to take on life with braces, and will enjoy an easy and successful treatment.

Traditional braces are made of metal and consist of many small parts such as wires and brackets. Because of this, brackets or wires may come loose, and sometimes may poke at your mouth, causing pain or discomfort. The solution to this is simple – apply soft wax to the area that is bothering you, and come into Castilla Orthodontics as soon as possible. Dr. Ana Castilla will fix the broken part so that your braces will work properly, and you can continue a comfortable day-to-day routine with braces near Mt. Angel, OR .

Additionally, braces can trap food in and around the teeth. Regardless of what you are eating, this device’s location will cause some remnants to get stuck. So, it is especially important that your brush well while living with braces near Mt. Angel, OR . Dr. Ana Castilla suggests brushing after every meal, and again once before bed to ensure that you do not damage your teeth permanently. Further, it is crucial that you floss well during treatment. You may want to purchase a braces-friendly flosser, such as a waterpik, which will help to eliminate excess food while being easy on the teeth and braces.

It is also suggested that you avoid some foods while living with your braces near Mt. Angel, OR . Some commonly known foods to avoid include gum, popcorn, and bagels. However, Castilla Orthodontics can provide you with a detailed list of foods that could be detrimental to the braces, which you should avoid. It is important to be diligent in following these guidelines because you do not want to risk damaging your braces, your teeth, or your overall health.

Lastly, it is also important to remember not to stress too much! Eventually, caring for your braces will become second nature, and adjusting to your new lifestyle will be easy. So easy in fact, that you may continue to be careful about brushing and flossing once the braces come off (which Dr. Ana Castilla recommends)! Don’t worry, if you are thinking about getting braces put on from Castilla Orthodontics, you are making the decision to get closer to a beautiful, straight smile. If you have any questions while caring for your braces, feel free to contact Castilla Orthodontics near Mt. Angel, OR  at 503-399-0721 today!

Over the years, Invisalign has become more and more popular with both teens and adults. The aligners are clear, almost invisible, which makes them less noticeable than bulky traditional braces. Invisalign aligners may be less of a hassle than metal braces, but it is still extremely important to take all the necessary steps to keep your teeth clean. This will help make sure your orthodontic treatment is as effective as possible. Here are some tips on how to maximize your Invisalign treatment near Woodburn, OR from Dr. Ana Castilla of Castilla Orthodontics.

1. Wear your Invisalign for 22 hours a day. Dr. Ana Castilla recommends that Invisalign is worn 22 hours each day in order for it to be effective and successfully shift your teeth. This means that your Invisalign can be taken out to eat, brush your teeth, and floss however they should be put back in your mouth as soon as possible afterwards. On another note, Invisalign should be worn when you sleep as your teeth can shift quite a lot if not worn and cause setbacks to your orthodontic treatment.
2. If Dr. Ana Castilla recommends rubber bands, wear them! When it comes to shifting your teeth, rubber bands are a crucial part of the process. If Dr. Ana Castilla recommends that you wear rubber bands with your Invisalign, wear them to not only speed up the process but also allow for a healthier and happier smile.
3. Use Chewies. Just like metal braces, Invisalign is a little uncomfortable and painful from time to time, specifically when putting in a new set every two weeks. Using chewies allows for any air gaps to be closed and for the aligner to fit more tightly and therefore more comfortably. This allows for your aligner to feel more like your teeth and less like something on them which is more comfortable in the long run. Ask the team at Castilla Orthodontics to find out what chewies they carry.
4. Always brush and clean your Invisalign. Just like traditional braces, Invisalign need to be constantly cleaned and cared for. Make sure that you brush your Invisalign every morning and night. This allows for the removal of any food which may be stuck and subsequently a tighter fit because no space is being taken up.
5. Always brush and clean your own teeth. Just as important as it is to clean your Invisalign, it is even more important to brush and floss your teeth. Doing so will allow for the removable of food which, just like it might be stuck in your aligner, could be taking up room and not allowing for the proper fit. It is also important to brush and floss your teeth to keep them clean and white for after your orthodontic treatment is complete. You don’t want to have to go through months of Invisalign near Woodburn, OR just to have a less than perfect smile.
6. Always use your case. Whenever you take your Invisalign out of your mouth, make sure it ends up in a case provided by Dr. Ana Castilla. Leaving them in a napkin or on a table leaves more room for them to be thrown out or misplaced. If this happens, you would need to go back a week in your sets or skip forward to the next week, both of which disrupt your treatment.

In order to maximize your Invisalign treatment, it is extremely important to follow all of the advice that Dr. Ana Castilla gives you. The team at Castilla Orthodontics wants you to walk away from your orthodontic treatment with a happy, healthy, and straight smile! If you have any questions or are ready to begin treatment with Dr. Ana Castilla, please call Castilla Orthodontics near Woodburn, OR at 503-399-0721.

The topic of orthodontics is very popular among adults and children alike near Keizer, OR. As a child develops, one of the first things parents may begin to worry about is their oral health. Dr. Ana Castilla of Castilla Orthodontics near Keizer, OR is often questioned about what signs to look for to determine if a child may need orthodontic attention, and when a child should begin treatment. Each case is different, but Dr. Ana Castilla has the answers to a few of the most important questions that you may have below:

When is it best to Begin Treatment?

In many cases, orthodontic issues can be detected early in life. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.

• Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
• While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.
• A check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. Or, the orthodontist may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development, and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for the child. In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.
• Early orthodontics treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
• Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to:
  • Guide jaw growth
  • Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
  • Correct harmful oral habits
  • Improve appearance
  • Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
  • Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face

Because patients differ in both physiological development and treatment needs, the orthodontist’s goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time. Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.

If your child is older than 7, it is never too late for a thorough examination with Dr. Ana Castilla and the team at Castilla Orthodontics!

What are the Treatment Options? Once you or your dentist have determined that you or your child needs orthodontic treatment, you may begin to wonder about what kind of treatment systems are available and which would be best suited for your child. Dr. Ana Castilla offers a variety of treatment options such as:

• Traditional metal braces: Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option and fun of adding colored ties (rubber bands) for a more unique, personalized and colorful smile.
• Ceramic braces: Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth. Dr. Ana Castilla will explain in more detail at your initial consultation if you are a candidate for the clear braces.
• Clear Braces: Clear braces are a series of clear, plastic aligner trays that can be removed to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Clear braces may be desirable because they are virtually invisible, easier to manage and care for due to their removable nature, and very comfortable.  Dr. Ana Castilla may explain to her patients that there are some drawbacks versus braces in certain situations – Clear braces may be less effective on extremely severe cases, or may take longer to correct oral issues. However, our professional team at Castilla Orthodontics is experienced with clear braces and eager to offer this option if you or your child is a candidate.

What are the first steps? If you are interested in orthodontic treatment for your child near Keizer, OR or surrounding areas, the first step is to contact us! Dr. Ana Castilla and the team will examine your child and discuss which options are best suited to correct their issues. Once you have determined the appropriate treatment plan with Dr. Ana Castilla and the amazing staff, you will be on the road to the gorgeous smile you have always wanted! We invite you to call Castilla Orthodontics to learn more about orthodontic treatment near Keizer, OR at 503-399-0721!

Finding the perfect braces provider near Stayton, OR can be a very difficult process. Ensuring that you choose the right one for you or your child can make a major difference in your treatment. Orthodontists are specialists who treat oral issues related to misaligned jaws and teeth. Most people think of orthodontists when they require braces, and since this kind of treatment is usually in question, it is best to choose an orthodontist wisely. At Castilla Orthodontics, Dr. Ana Castilla has come up with a few tips to ensure that you choose the right orthodontist and end up with a beautiful smile.

Ask for Recommendation and Research Online

Usually your dentist will be the first to spot any orthodontic issue, and will therefore recommend a dedicated and impressive orthodontist that he or she knows. Your dentist is likely to recommend the best, but you could also ask around amongst your friends and family members. Usually, candid feedback from actual patients will give you a prudent idea about the type of orthodontic treatment you can expect. Lastly, you should also consult online research before ultimately choosing an orthodontist near Stayton, OR.

Expertise and Knowledge

While looking for the best orthodontist near Stayton, OR, you will obviously consider the level of knowledge and expertise of the person. Luckily, there are ways for determining their expertise and accomplishments. All orthodontists have to complete additional two to three years of training after dental school to qualify.

The orthodontist that you choose should also offer various choices for your orthodontic treatment. At Castilla Orthodontics, we not only offer different braces types, but we also offer Invisalign clear aligners. Dr. Ana Castilla is extensively trained in occlusion and dental and facial aesthetics to move you toward your orthodontic goal quickly. Dr. Castilla and her team at Castilla Orthodontics provide individualized orthodontic treatment for children, teens and adults.

First Consultation

After you have shortlisted a few orthodontists, it is best to go for the first consultation to acquire an idea about the type of person you will be dealing with. Most of the sterling orthodontists provide free initial consultation and some even provide free X-rays. If the orthodontist is impatient and is not eager to answer all your questions, it is best to find someone else. If the orthodontist has a large practice, you might have to talk to the manager or patient liaison person.

Cost of Treatment

Apart from expertise and skill, the other main point to consider while choosing the best orthodontist near Stayton, OR is how much the treatment is going to cost you and any payment options that are being offered. When the treatment involves braces it is usually quite expensive, and you will want a payment plan that you can afford. Most orthodontists provide plans of monthly installments that are spread over the period of treatment. However, inquire about the different payment plans that are on offer before you make a decision.

Treatment Avenues to Take

Braces have evolved considerably during the past decade and there are now many types to consider. When you are choosing the best orthodontist near Stayton, OR, make sure you have access to all the latest treatment routes to take. The orthodontist should not be trying to sell you the most costly product, but rather discuss the advantages and disadvantage of various doors to open so that you can make an informed and suitable choice.

If you’re ready to start treatment with Dr. Ana Castilla or want to learn more about Castilla Orthodontics near Stayton, OR, then call us today at (503)-399-0721.