Dr. Wendy Katz Shares Her Adult Braces Experience

About 5 years ago, I noticed that I was starting to wear down my lower front teeth and they were starting to chip on the edges. I decided to fix the problem by going into orthodontic treatment. What better way could there be than to fully experience what it’s like to wear braces myself.

This gave me the opportunity to really test the assistants’ work and it was a challenge to put my own braces on with a mirror. I could critique their technique placing the bands on my teeth under my direction. I could feel exactly how sore your teeth get the first evening. What it is like having to brush your teeth immediately following eating a meal so you are not wearing your lunch. (Boy, salads are tough to eat out!) How long it takes for the initial soreness to subside. What it feels like to add a button on the inside, or a coil spring which irritates your lip or cheek. I understand how wax can make the adjustment period bearable. I learned that sometimes you can try to add two ties on the brace (or a spacer) to act as a bumper. I am more aware of tucking the inside cleats, or pushing a tie (ligature) wire underneath the archwire so it will not poke and clipping the ends of a wire.

Following the braces I decided to try the Invisalign trays. This is a series of clear trays that make small incremental movements of the teeth utilizing removable retainers. This technology requires extreme compliance by wearing these trays 22 hours a day. Surprisingly, your teeth are slightly sore for only 2-3 days, so the adjustment period is much quicker than with fixed braces that take a week. Very few people noticed my lisp when I first started wearing the Invisalign trays.

After that phase, I had some cosmetic bonding to restore the small teeth and replace the worn edges. None of that would have been possible unless I had shifted the teeth ideally with braces. That entire process took about two years. I believe the experience has made me a better orthodontist today having gone through it as an adult. I am able to express exactly what it feels like and what to expect. I have to tell you that our staff does a fantastic job executing the procedures, and making the patient feel comfortable. It helps me do my job by knowing what it is like and what you are thinking on the other side of the chair. I now have a greater appreciation for my staff and the patients.

Dr. Wendy J. Katz

Dr. Wendy Katz Patient Reviews

Dr. Katz and her team deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment. They make orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what their patients have to say!Dr. Katz is very good and thorough. I love her staff. Sabrina and Diana are a highlight to see and joke around with while getting treatment.
-Bruce H.

Dr. Katz is highly skilled and has the genuine grace to deliver services in a professional, yet personable manner.
-Karen B.

I am impressed with the cutting edge technology to review appointments, financial info, pictures, etc.
-Dean K.

I love the things that come along with my treatment, like the website. I love that you guys have a larger staff with real talent!
-Amber R.

Smoke Screen Dr. Wendy Katz

Everybody knows that smoking causes lung cancer, but did you also know that smokers and tobacco are susceptible to a variety of oral health problems at a faster rate than non-smokers?

It’s true! Smoking is responsible for almost 75% of gum disease in adults; and, similar to smokers, adults who smoke pipes and cigars, as well as those using smokeless tobacco, are just as susceptible to gum disease and other tobacco related health problems.

As soon as you use tobacco products, you become more likely to experience any of these oral-health problems:

• Oral cancer
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Loss of bone in the jaw
• Gum recession
• Delayed/impaired healing process after oral surgery or any other treatment
• Decreased success rate of dental implant (tooth replacement) procedures
• Mouth sores
• Loss of your sense of taste and smell
• Bad breath
• Tooth and tongue stains

If you are interested in protecting your oral health we strongly recommend you quit using tobacco products! The following steps are recommended by the Surgeon General to help you quit smoking and using tobacco:

• Get ready – set a quitting date and remove all materials from your home, car and office
• Get support
• Learn new skills and behaviors
• Get medication and use it correctly
• Be prepared for relapse or difficult situations

For support, start with Dr. Wendy Katz! We can help by recommending different options to help you quit, and above all we will support you throughout the quitting process. We are dedicated to helping you protect your oral health – and quitting smoking is significant step in the right direction.