Meet Our Orthodontist: Dr. Maria Baquerizo

Dr. Baquerizo brings a wealth of knowledge and a compassionate touch to our NPD+O family. Born in Ecuador and educated at some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, Dr. B is passionate about creating beautiful and functional bites for her patients.

Dr. Baquerizo’s impressive academic journey includes:

• Bachelor of Science in Biology from Georgetown University.
• Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from Harvard School of Dental Medicine.
• Master of Medical Sciences degree in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics from Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where she also completed her orthodontic specialty training.

As a caring and empathetic orthodontist, Dr. Baquerizo is dedicated to providing an exceptional patient experience. She takes the time to understand each individual’s unique needs and goals, ensuring a personalized treatment plan that leads to a confident and radiant smile.

Outside of the office, Dr. Baquerizo enjoys spending quality time with her growing family and her beloved dachshund, Finn. Her hobbies include gardening and cooking, often with the cheerful assistance of her two young children. Dr. Baquerizo also has a deep love for animals and previously volunteered at a rehabilitation center in South Africa, where she helped care for orphaned baby rhinos and other injured wildlife. Actively involved in the dental community, Dr. Baquerizo is a proud member of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Orthodontic Emergencies

What to Do in Case of Emergency

While true orthodontic emergencies are rare, understanding how to handle minor issues can provide peace of mind. At Newton Pediatric Dentistry + Orthodontics in Newton Highlands, MA, we’re here to guide you through common orthodontic situations. For any significant discomfort or appliance damage, please reach out to our office during business hours. Even if you have a scheduled appointment, a call allows us to offer tailored advice.

Loose Brackets, Bands, or Wires
A detached bracket, loose band, protruding wire, or other appliance issue can typically be addressed during our regular business hours. However, if your child experiences pain, please don’t hesitate to call us, even on weekends. We can often provide helpful tips over the phone to ease their discomfort. You can also try these temporary solutions:

• Loose Bracket: If it’s causing irritation, you can gently try to slide the loose bracket off the wire after carefully trimming the wire with clean nail clippers or small wire cutters from a hardware store. Alternatively, if it’s not bothering your child, the loose bracket can remain on the wire until their next appointment.
• Loose Band: Similar to a loose bracket, a loose band is usually not an immediate emergency. Please contact us during business hours for guidance.
• Protruding Wire: A wire might occasionally shift and poke. Try gently maneuvering the wire to the opposite side using tweezers or the eraser end of a clean pencil. For temporary relief, a small amount of dental wax can be placed over the poking wire.

Wire Irritation
It’s common for a wire to slightly shift and extend beyond the last bracket. You can try to gently slide the wire back into place using tweezers or by carefully pushing the poking end with a clean pencil eraser. Applying a small piece of orthodontic wax to the irritating wire can also provide significant comfort until we can address it in the office.

Lost Separators
Don’t worry if a separator falls out during treatment. Please call our Newton Highlands office on the next business day so we can determine if a replacement is necessary before your child’s next appointment.

Discomfort During Orthodontic Treatment
During the initial week after braces are placed and following routine adjustments, some mild tooth soreness while chewing is normal. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (or other non-aspirin pain relievers) can help manage this discomfort as your child adjusts to their braces or new wires. Additionally, cold liquids can temporarily ease tension in heat-activated wires, offering some relief.

Clear Aligner Issues (Invisalign)
If an Invisalign aligner edge feels sharp and irritates your child’s cheek, tongue, or gums, you can gently smooth the edge with a piece of fine sandpaper or a clean fingernail file. If an aligner is lost, have your child move on to the next set of aligners in their treatment plan. If they haven’t received the next set yet, they can temporarily wear the previous aligner until our doctors at Newton Pediatric Dentistry + Orthodontics can provide further instructions. If an aligner cracks or breaks in half but still fits securely on the teeth, continue wearing it (or the pieces) as directed until we can advise you on the next steps.

Home Care Instructions for Orthodontic Patients

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for successful orthodontic treatment. Please follow these guidelines:

• Brushing: Brush your teeth and gums thoroughly after every meal and snack with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying close attention to cleaning around the brackets and wires. Dr. Baquerizo highly recommends using an electric toothbrush.
• Flossing: Floss at least once daily using a floss threader or orthodontic floss to navigate between your teeth and around the brackets and wires. Dr. Baquerizo also suggests using a water pick to aid in flossing, but remember that it does not replace traditional flossing.
• Mouthwash: Use an antiseptic mouthwash to help reduce bacteria and freshen your breath.
• Regular Check-ups: Maintain your regular hygiene appointments, scheduled at least twice a year.
• Avoid: Steer clear of hard, sticky, and chewy foods such as popcorn, nuts, ice, caramels, taffy, and gum, as these can damage your braces and wires.
• Cut Foods: Cut hard foods like apples and carrots into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
• Be Mindful of Sugary Drinks: Limit sugary beverages like sodas and fruit juices to prevent tooth decay, which is especially important during orthodontic treatment.
• Check Your Braces: Regular appointments with your orthodontist are essential for monitoring your progress and ensuring successful results.
• Contact Sport Protection: If you participate in contact sports, always wear a mouthguard to protect your mouth and braces.
• Report Breakage: If a bracket or band comes loose or a wire breaks, please call us to schedule a repair appointment.
• Smoking: Avoid smoking, as it can stain your teeth and cause gum inflammation.

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