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Age: 12.5

Treatment Duration: 28 months 

Before Treatment:

This patient came to our office looking to improve the crowding of her teeth. Before treatment she had a narrow smile, severe overbite, severe crowding, class 2 bite (when the upper jaw and/or teeth are ahead of the bottom jaw and/or teeth), narrow arches, and peg lateral on upper left. 

Treatment Journey:

Our patients treatment plan involved upper and lower braces,the use of rubber bands, and restorative treatment of the peg lateral, by the talented Dr. Pichardo at Citrus Dental of Inverness. Treatment for this case took just over 2 years. 

After Treatment:

In this amazing transformation we were able to correct all of the pre-existing orthodontic concerns, improving the overbite, correcting the class 2 to a class 1 proper bite, eliminating the crowding, aligning the midlines, and widening and broadening the smile. The shape of the peg lateral incisor was improved through a wonderful restoration by the patient's general dentist. 

This case shows an amazing transformation and teamwork between myself as the orthodontist, the patient who did an amazing job wearing rubber bands, and the general dentist to restore an undersized tooth. 

Orthodontics can not only play a pivotal role in optimizing both oral health and functional well-being, but more importantly can elevate one's self-confidence. Our practice is committed to serving patients of all ages and embraces the belief that it's never too late to embark on the journey to your dream smile.

We invite you and your family to reach out to our office to schedule a complimentary consultation. Allow me the privilege of discussing the orthodontic solutions tailored to your unique needs. Your journey to your dream smile begins with an orthodontic specialist!

Dr. Strouse

Hello patients.

As many of you know, Dr. Eric Strouse recently joined our practice. Dr. Donald Wexler will be stepping back into retirement. Moving forward the practice will now be called Strouse & Wexler Orthodontics instead of  Wexler Orthodontics.

Please reach out with any questions you may have regarding this transition, or about our new doctor! We look forward to seeing you at your next visit.

While braces play an important part in helping to create a healthy mouth and teeth, you might experience a few side effects while wearing them that are common and can be easily treated.

Even with the best of care, braces can cause soreness to your mouth. As your teeth begin to move, it is natural for your teeth to feel aches and your jaw to develop soreness.

If there are broken wires or loose bands on your braces, a sore tongue, mouth, or canker sore will occur. Canker sores are a common occurrence when braces rub inside the mouth. There are ointments available to reduce the pain and irritation associated with mouth sores. We urge those who experience a sore mouth or any of the following problems to call our office to schedule an appointment.

• Loose brackets: Apply a small amount of orthodontic wax to the bracket temporarily. You might also apply a little between the braces and the soft tissue of your mouth.
• Loose bands: These must be secured in place by your orthodontist. Try to save the band for repair.
• Protruding or broken wires: The eraser end of a pencil can be used to move the wire carefully to a less painful spot. If you are unable to move it, apply orthodontic wax to the tip. If a mouth sore develops, rinse with warm salt water or antiseptic rinse.
• Loose spacers: These will need to be repositioned and sometimes replaced.

Foods to Avoid

Some foods can also help or hurt you while you’re wearing braces. Remember to cut your food into small pieces that can be easily chewed. You will want to avoid hard and chewy foods that can break your hardware. Foods such as corn on the cob, nuts, carrots, apples, ice, and bubble gum should be avoided.

Braces, rubber bands, springs, and other mouth appliances associated with braces will normally attract food particles and plaque. Without the proper care, this could cause staining of your teeth.

Our staff at Wexler Orthodontics recommends brushing after every meal or snack and carefully removing any food that might be lodged in the braces. A fluoride mouthwash might be helpful as well as flossing. At your next appointment, Dr. Donald Wexler can advise you how to floss with a brush specially designed for braces!

By no stretch is it rare for your gums to hurt during and after flossing. Even some bleeding is to be expected. This is especially true if you have not flossed in a long time. However, if your gums do indeed hurt when you floss, and unbearably so, there are some things you can do.

Be Gentle

Perhaps the most obvious way to combat gum soreness and bleeding is to be gentle. One of the most common occurrences of these gum problems is over-aggressive flossing. In other words, if you are too rough on your gums while flossing, either because you are out of practice or because you are in a hurry, soreness and hurting is to be expected. Instead, try taking your time and be gentle. Also, if you are just starting out, be patient and consistent, your gums will become more conditioned over time.

Use an Alternative Method

If being consistent and gentle does not work, there are other alternative methods of flossing that you can try. You can also try a water floss machine, or what is sometimes called a water pick. The device essentially shoots water into the crevasses between your teeth, and in other areas of your mouth, in order to dislodge food and plaque. These oral instruments also come with different attachments that allow you to reach many of the hard to see and reach areas of your mouth. And lastly, you can always buy floss that is not as abrasive to your gums. There is floss that comes with soft and gentle coatings that will do less harm to your gums while they are adjusting to the good oral hygiene habit you are creating.

Flossing is one of the easiest parts of oral hygiene to overlook. When you first start out, it is common that you may want to stop because of the pain it can initially cause. However, if you try one, or all, of the above mentioned methods, you will give yourself the best chance of being success with your flossing, and it won't hurt as much.

For more flossing tips, schedule an appointment at our Spring Hill or Lecanto, FL office and askDr. Donald Wexler or a member of our team!