Find Us:
Dr. Carrie Webb
102 Church Street
Whitinsville, MA 01588
Find us
Patient Library
Find helpful information in our digital library.
Maxillofacial Surgery
Retainers
Brushing and Flossing
Mouthguards
If you are an athlete, we highly suggest the use of an orthodontic mouthguard while you are in braces. This is not only used to protect your teeth, but also your lips and cheeks should a significant bump to the face occur. Read More...
Separators
Welcome to the first part of your orthodontic treatment. Today you received blue elastics called separators. The separators are placed between your teeth to open a little space which is necessary for your next appointment. Read More...
How to care for your braces:
When you first get your braces, teeth may become sore. Take what you would normally take for a headache until your teeth begin to feel better. (An anti-inflammatory such as Advil, Motrin, etc will typically work best.) Because everyone is different, soreness can vary anywhere between a few days up to a week. Read More...
Minor Emergencies and Braces
Throughout the first few appointments as the teeth become aligned, the wire may become long and scratchy in the back behind the band. Wax can be used until a quick appointment is made to trim the wire. Read More...
Appliances you may receive throughout your treatment
The expander is designed to widen the palate and/or correct your child’s crossbite. Here are a few helpful tips for home. Read More...
Orthodontic Elastics
Elastics create a continuous force causing the upper and lower teeth to move into alignment. The elastics are connected to specific teeth to move the teeth in a planned direction. Read More...
Retainers
The essix retainer is made of clear durable plastic, it snaps into place over your teeth. Our office uses the essix retainer as a temporary retainer to maintain your orthodontic results. In a few weeks you will receive acrylic retainers which you will wear as instructed. Read More...
When facial reconstruction, including procedures involving the oral cavity, is called for, a specialist is needed. Surgical procedures of the neck and head area are performed by a maxillofacial surgeon.
Common maxillofacial procedures include denture-related procedures and jaw surgery.
Jaw Correction
Protruding chins, crooked or buck teeth or misaligned teeth are good candidates for maxillofacial surgery.
In some people, jaws do not grow at the same rate; one may come in larger than the other, or simply not be aligned properly with other bony structures in the skull. This can cause problems other than appearance issues; an improperly aligned jaw can cause problems with the tongue and lips, and speech and chewing problems as well. Jaw surgery can move jaws into their proper place.
Other kinds of maxillofacial surgery can correct problems with upper facial features such as the nose and cheek.
In addition to correcting jaw problems surgically, orthodontic appliances such as braces may be needed to restore bite relationship and ensure continued proper alignment of the jaw. In some cases, tiny wires or small rubber bands may be needed to keep the jaws in place and promote faster healing. In other cases, small "fixation" screws or plates may need to be inserted in the jaws to facilitate easy movement of the jaws following surgery.
Denture Fatigue
People who have worn dentures for a long time can sometimes experience loss of gum tissue and even bone, mostly from the wear and tear of the appliance on the soft tissues of their mouth.
In extreme cases, maxillofacial surgery, including bone grafts, manipulation of soft tissues or even jaw realignment, may be performed to correct such problems.